MAM Movies

[ By Pari Trivedi ]

Dearest Universe and Fellow Souls,

“Where all men think alike, no one thinks very much but when you want to be different, do something different.” – Walter Lippmann (Media Philosopher-theorist).

“Do something powerfully different and meaningful that will show the purpose of your life and proudly make you say ‘I am…’” –Meghana & Madhusudan (founders- Mam Movies).

A fresh graduate, just out to explore the world and work on Media ethics would have to look high and low to sustain in today’s wind of Media reality.

Well that graduate was me! I stepped into the world and was ready to conquer it with my ideas. And as beginner’s luck would have it, I landed at Mam movies. Little did I know then that lucky beginnings have even luckier consequences…I was here to be transformed for a lifetime.

In my five months of internship here at MAM Movies, I not only see the other side of media possibilities but also realized the role and impact of developmental media in an upcoming economy like India.

For a media house working for social change, its very important to sensitize its audiences and have a deep grounding with the working of rural sector. MAM Movies beautifully manages to stay connected with the communities that need a media strategy to enhance its development

My very first task involved a through comprehension of the working and technical know-how of the subject and staying connected with the help of online research. I was fortunate enough to take part into the initiation process of Metta Media and maintain its growth. It gives me immense joy today, when I see the site blossoming organically and I think to myself that all I did was set the ball rolling. Everything takes its own shape; all you have to do is help it make the mould.

Next was my assignment to make a film for Ashoka’s Youth Venture NGO that works with young change makers who want to see a positive change in the country. My work involved traveling through the tribal belt of South Gujarat in search of young people who did make a success story out of sheer will and determination to see that difference. We extensively shot the work profile of these venturers and made a film that beautifully translated their story. It is only when I met these amazing people did I realize that you don’t need to be city bred or having a plush life to make your dreams come true but all you need to be is human enough and act humane.

After two months into my training, I got yet another opportunity to explore something new as I moved to Ahmedabad along with the MAM Movie team. Moving to a completely different city seemed like a big challenge as the presence of media professionals outside Mumbai was hard to get.

But where there is a will, there is a way. Within 15 days we managed to set up an office for us and commence our work smoothly. I was given the task of finding 101 change makers for ‘ I am the change’ film project. What seemed like tedious work quickly turned into the most interesting job of finding some really powerful people doing some meaningful work. It groomed me to communicate with a diverse range of people and share their motto of life and societal development. Along the way I also helped in extensively compiling their work on the blog and pass on their message.

The best thing about this organization is that there is so much creative freedom that you feel positive and motivated in all tasks given to you. The stress free environment provided makes work very enjoyable.

I also got the opportunity to work on graphic designing assignments for making DVD covers and some poster work. The film club at Seva café every week helped me understand the role of developmental media more closely. The film ‘Baraka’ had a lasting impact on me and it really opened my eyes on various issues related to environment and sanitation conditions in India.

And thankfully, it wasn’t just media work that we were indulged into. We also had to work with local communities and volunteer in understanding the needs of lower spectrum’s development. Manav Sadhana , An NGO working for the upliftment of the needy helped me to get a better idea of solving problems in the impoverished society. I was fortunate enough to interact with some beautiful people at ManavSadhana and share my experiences with them. I also made a documentary on ther unique ‘Earn and Learn’ program. The film focuses on the revival of childhood lost by the slum children due to poverty and harsh realities of life.

I loved every moment on my time here at Mam movies. The friendly atmosphere and the determined attitude of the members here makes it possible for me to conceitedly say that ‘I am proud of the work I have chosen and I am determined to chase my dreams.’

Yours,

Pari Trivedi.