Magic Lantern Foundation
Magic Lantern Foundation is a media action group that aims to integrate the communication methodologies, media and techniques, in the process to democratise society and build citizenship.
We believe that an egalitarian society demands an egalitarian culture. An egalitarian culture provides equal space to all individuals, communities and groups by providing them equal representation and by enhancing interaction and dialogue amongst them. Unfortunately, today, the mass media is controlled by corporate interests and does not respond to the needs of the marginalised people. The corporate media does not take into account the cultural diversity of India and propagates values of consumerism. Hence, there is a need to evolve a media strategy that gives voice to the marginalised people and strengthens the process of democratisation of society.
Comprising of media professionals and social activists, Magic Lantern Foundation (MLF) works closely with NGOs and mass organisations.
Since its inception in 1989 MLF has worked on:
1. Production of issue-based documentaries, in partnership with people's organisations, that are relevant to people’s movements and the grassroots.
2. Campaigning on social issues. MLF has been actively involved with the construction workers, forest workers, anti-destructive development and anti-tourism campaigns at the national level.
3. Media Education with grassroot organisations to develop ways of understanding and integrating media use with local interventions while developing a critique of the dominant media and its message.
4. Training grassroot activists to use media for social change. Also familiarising grassroot groups with the process of initiating and conducting campaigns.
5. Networking and dissemination of media related information through the newsletter Alternate Media Times (formerly Media Mail) to mass organisation and NGOs.
6. Discussing media policy with the grassroots in order to incorporate and reflect their priorities and concerns in the communication policies.
Besides, MLF has also tried to reach its own productions to a wide range of viewers across the country, especially to grassroot groups.Other Places to go:
