togetherTV films are an example of how information and communication technologies (ICTs) can be used to provide a very personal lens on issues such as HIV/AIDS, poverty, trade justice, conflict, and so on. In this case, the films allow one person to describe, in his or her own voice and words, how he or she is getting on with life in often adverse circumstances. The tone is meant to be positive and inspiring, not discouraging, intimidating, or depressing. The strategy involves challenging viewers' pre-conceived notions about people living in developing countries through first-hand video story telling.
For instance, in one film, AIDS orphan Emmanuel Kalunga of Zambia dreams his way out of extreme poverty by flying a kite he's made from a plastic bag. "When my kite flies really high, I feel happy. I forget about everything..." In another, Israeli peace activist Robi Damelin has her beliefs severely challenged when her 22-year-old son is killed by a Palestinian sniper. Robi says: "The question is: what do you do with all this? Do you go out on a path of revenge? Or do you behave in the way that you always have behaved and do the things that you believe in?"
A total of 30 films have been produced as of this writing; to encourage broad access, they are offered free of charge (if broadcast with the togetherTV branding/sponsors' logos) to use as fillers for broadcasters. togetherTV's films are currently on-air on Discovery Networks Europe, the Community Channel, and Channel 9 in Northern Ireland.
The videos may also be viewed on the together TV website; this is designed to allow people to access stories directly, by-passing broadcasters altogether (click here to access a map/archive of the video stories available to date). This website also includes various teaching materials; organisers are trialling a pilot version of togetherTV's educational resource pack for 11- to 15-year-olds for Global Citizenship classes called "GET REEL". The pilot DVD features 9 personal videos and teachers' resources, split into 3 themes: HIV/AIDS, Peace and Conflict, and the Environment.
Trade, Peace and Conflict, Climate Change, HIV/AIDS, Education, Women’s Rights.
Through sharing of these films, organisers hope to defy the negative labels which they say are too often attached by the western media to people living in developing countries.
Christian Aid and Trocaire, with European Union funding.
Emails from Florence Curtis to The Communication Initiative on August 14 2006 and October 5 2006; and the together TV website.