Visual Storytelling for Social Change

This collaboration between The Culture Lab and Race Forward contains downloadable tools for novice and veteran activists to understand and produce compelling visual storytelling in various formats.

From ‘Harnessing Documentaries for Social Change’:

“Last year, something remarkable happened with SeaWorld. Elementary school students protested field trips to the aquatic theme park. Investors pulled their financing. Bands cancelled performances. SeaWorld attendance dropped by 13 percent in the span of just a few months. Meanwhile, legislators across multiple states proposed bills to stop the use of whales in theme parks. The trigger? A documentary film called Blackfish, which tells the story of orca whales suffering in captivity. This impact is directly linked to both the film’s storytelling power and how nonprofits and activists connected audiences to the film and mobilized people to action.

Many documentary producers address social justice issues—human rights, racial justice, gender equity, economic justice, immigrant rights, the environment, and more. But too often these storytellers struggle to reach and engage targeted audiences with their films. There are natural alignments between organizers and storytellers that play toeach other’s strengths. But right now, both groups lack the deep understanding of each other’s work that’s necessary to effectively move the needle on social issues. By forming solid cross-sector partnerships, visual storytellers and activists can significantly amplify their impact. These partnerships begin with conversations that strengthen understanding of each other’s values, strategies, and goals.”

Race Forward has lots more research and tools for you to use. It is the organization behind the Colorlines news site.

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