Barbara Santi at Awen Productions says:

‘Over the last year Awen Productions CIC and Shallal Dance Theatre have been collaborating together to make a variety of short films. Awen Productions CIC is a social media company using media for social change in rural isolated communities across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. Shallal Dance Theatre is a charity working with people/artists with learning disabilities.

We have used film as a way for people to express themselves creatively, learn new skills and above all have fun.  Through funding and in-kind support we have been able to run workshops involving all members from concept to production and distribution.

Have a look at Zoe’s film about how poetry and painting inspires her.

Shallal also wanted to use media as a means for the wider community to get to know their work so media has been used not only as a creative tool but also a tool to raise awareness about ability/disability, arts, inclusivity and living in a rural community.

Watch the Shallal Dance Theatre Promo.

This Project has had a great impact with the community as they now want to use media across a whole spectrum of things. Before they lacked the skills and confidence to consider using film but now its their first choice!  Here are some of their comments:

“Although we have had a digital film camera for 5 years plus it was extremely helpful to have professional input into how one might make a film”

“Making the film was a great opportunity to celebrate and affirm our creativity as a community. More like this please!”

“This is the first time I’ve worked in film in such a way – it’s the first time that I have had to do ‘takes’!  It was fab!”

We think our project could be inspirational to others because it shows how media has no boundary and can be a truly inclusive medium that everyone can get involved with.  In this project we had people who had physical learning difficulties but it didn’t stop them from getting involved.  Actually the medium liberated them because there are no rules.’