Community Forestry International Multimedia
Fri, Oct 19 2007

This film documents the experiences of two forest-dependent communities in Cambodia. It describes their efforts to manage the forests on which their livelihoods depend. The film explores issues of the growing gap between urban and rural society, traditions of forest use, forest protection strategies, and pressures of changing land use. Community forestry is presented as a mechanism for ensuring the communities’ rights to sustainable forest management. The film is in Khmai with English subtitles. In addition, there are two special feature interviews with H.E. Ty Sokhun, Head, Forestry Administration and Dr. Mark Poffenberger, CFI Executive Director. The film was made by Mat Wyatt with assistance from Amanda Bradley, CFI Country Director, Cambodia.

Buddha Still Lives in the Forest presents three case studies of how the monks and pagoda system are providing assistance and training in community forestry to local Cambodian communities. In addition, the film stresses how Buddhism is an important reference point for community forestry and how the Cambodian heritage reflects this relationship. The film was produced by the Association of Buddhists for the Environment and Community Forestry International. It was filmed and directed by Mat Wyatt.

This film documents the resurgence of sacred and community forests in the East Khasi Hills of Meghalaya. The film begins with a Khasi matriarch discussing the fundamental values of the culture and the challenges the society is currently facing as the outside world collides with indigenous community values. The story depicts traditions of forest protection that date back over 500 years, the important role forests play in Khasi culture, and how new grassroots initiatives are emerging to revitalize traditions that are under pressure from modernization, commercialization, and privatization. The film was made by Minnie Vaid, Little Doc Productions, Mumbai, India.

This series of short films is an indigenous community media project from Ratanakiri, Cambodia. Staffed entirely by young Tampeun, Jarai, and Kreung indigenous people, FMV makes media in indigenous languages about their culture, community, and the essential connection between the indigenous people of Ratanakiri and their environment.