A video discussion is a way to educate your local community about various aspects of Pakistan. This is an ideal activity for Pakistani associations and community centers, as well as chapters of Paksitan Students' Associations.

Organizing this event does not necessarily require a lot of money. But it does merit careful planning, as well as support from organization members and local Pakistanis.

All it entails is the showing of a video that focuses on some aspect of Pakistan, then following that up with a thoughtful discussion of the issues brought up in the production.

The first thing to do is suggest the idea to your organization. If they're not interested, find a group of supportive friends to start it. Once you've got this core group, it's time to select the video.

Ideally, find a video which focuses on some aspect of Pakistan. It can range from history to environmental issues to politics. However, it may be difficult to find English language documentaries about Pakistan. What you may want to do is look for a film that talks about a specific issue (i.e. environmental issues) from the perspective of different cultures and includes a section on Pakistan.

Avoid selecting something over an hour if you can, unless it's really enjoyable to watch. In this age of fast-paced television and computer games, most people's attention spans have been drastically cut short.

After you've selected the video, make sure that at least two people from the group watch it. While the two people may not like everything about the video, list the pros and cons of it. If the pros outweigh the cons, then pick it as the focus of your video discussion.

Now that you've got your video, you've got to find a place to hold the discussion in. If you're working with the campus PSA, you should be able to book an auditorium or some other room for free. If not, see if you can book the local community center. Make sure that all arrangements for the audio visual equipment are made properly for that day. Book it for a date that will allow you to publicize the activity well. A month to two months in advance is a good time.

Ideally, you should select an "expert" on Pakistan in the area that the documentary is discussing. For example, if your film is about the history of Pakistan's establishment, then see if you can get a local scholar who knows enough about the topic to be able to handle questions about it in the discussion section of the activity.

In terms of advertising, you need to target three groups of people: 1. Pakistani-Americans 2. those who are interested in Pakistan but do not have roots or ties there 3. the majority of people who can hardly located Pakistan on a map.

The first two are easy to attract. You can simply come up with an attractive flyer (have the most artistically talented and computer savvy person in your group design it) and distribute it to the PSA or association's members, as well as the university's Political Science department, especially if it has a South Asian studies section. Spread the word also through a campus or community newsletter and website.

For the third group of people, you need to find other ways of attracting them. You can set up an attractive display about Pakistan in the local or school library about Pakistan, introducing the country, a little bit about its history and culture. As an added bonus, give away free food and drinks or sell them for a very low price. Try to get Pakistani food. Most people love samosas. At this display, advertise your video discussion activity.

On the day of the event, make sure there are free refreshments, the audio visual equipment is working properly and that the event starts on time (break that "Pakistani" habit of always being late).

After the video, focus on answering questions raised about its subject matter, let your "expert" elaborate on thesubject matter, and try to explain, if possible, why this aspect of Pakistan is important for everyone to know, including Americans.

Try to have this activity on a monthly basis or at least every two months. This will make your audience more familiar with Pakistan, and it will generate interest in a country which is often not mentioned in the media or classrooms.

Some examples of videos you can use:

1.Jinnah, the Making of Pakistan
The film tries to unravel his personality with interviews and footage never before aired. Christopher Mitchell. 1997. 90 minutes.

2. "Search for Water, Clean Water is a Basic Right"
This production shows the struggle of two small communities high up in the mountains of Northern Pakistan to improve their water supply
http://www.irc.nl/manage/videos/pakistan.html

3. Hunza : the legendary land / Lok Virsa.
This video presents the breath-taking beauty of the snow-capped mountains of the Karakoram Range and examines the architecture, folk culture, and traditions of the Wakhi and Burusho people of Hunza in Northern Pakistan.
http://www.lib.berkeley.edu/MRC/EthnographyVid.html
(scroll down to the South Asia section)

4.Pakistan: Wonderland of Handicrafts
A documentary on handicrafts of various regions of Pakistan. Like other arts, handicrafts in Pakistan are the expression of the feelings and attitude. For more details, see:
http://www.alldesi.net/fun/drama/pakistani/documentary/pakistani/pakistancrafts.htm

Date/Time Last Modified: 6/2/2004 3:21:55 PM

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