Mlfwiki

Magic Lantern Foundation

Magic Lantern Foundation [1] is a media NGO based in New Delhi, India. Magic Lantern Foundation (MLF) is working collectively for a culture that protects and promotes the rights of all individuals, communities and groups; a culture that provides equal opportunities, space and representation to all; a culture that rejects narrow, sectarian interests and promotes values of universal humanity; a culture that celebrates plurality and diversity. They feel the role of media is critical to this process. Unfortunately, today corporate interests, dictated by the market, control the media. The corporate media ignores the cultural diversity of people. Through consumerism it consolidates a homogenised culture.

MLF aims to use communication and media to give voice to the unheard, as a tool for human rights and justice, to establish a collective culture, build citizenship and democratise society.

Since the very beginning, Magic Lantern Foundation has been involved with:

Production of documentary films on social themes: Some of its notable films viewed extensively all over India and other countries are Because of Our Rights, a film on forest, forest dwellers and forest rights; Ballad of Builders, on the construction workers in India; Goa Under Siege, a film that shows how large scale tourism impacts on the economy, ecology and culture of the hosts; and Out of the Shadows, a film about Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

Campaign on issues of social justice, environment, gender and culture: An important intervention of MLF has been to screen its films extensively and strengthening campaigns on the concerned issues.

Training of social activists in the skills of video production as well as media education to develop a critical understanding about the role of media in society.

Curation of film festivals: MLF has relentlessly encouraged students and social activists to use films and build a viewing culture that is active and participatory. Along with helping groups in small towns and cities to organise film festivals of independent films, MLF has curated international film festivals during events such as the World Social Forum in Mumbai, Porto Alegre and Nairobi.

Distribution and dissemination of independent films: In an attempt to reach good films to its potential viewers, MLF has begun to distribute independent films through its distribution initiative named Under Construction.