by Tom Hansen, Dec 1, 1998

The Chiapas Media Project is seeking participants for a series of delegations to indigenous communities in Chiapas, Mexico -- Dec 28-Jan. 8, March 20-30, and June 25- July 5. Each of these delegations has scholarships available for youth of color (ages 18-29).

The Chiapas Media Project (CMP) provides tools and training that enable marginalized indigenous communities in Chiapas to create their own media. Working bi-nationally, CMP provides video cameras, editing equipment and media technology training to communities in Chiapas. Our delegations offer participants the chance to learn about and directly experience life in the Indigenous communities of Chiapas. The delegations demonstrate solidarity with the people in the communities by delivering video cameras and computers. Delegates travel with Mexican trainers who oversee community-based workshops in video production and/or computers.

If you speak Spanish and have experience with video production or computers, you can help teach the courses. Delegates without experience, who wish to learn, can take the courses. Otherwise, delegates will be incorporated into the life of the community. No experience with video equipment or computers is necessary to participate in a delegation. In all cases, you have an excellent opportunity to learn first-hand about day-to-day community life in Chiapas. You share the struggles and dreams, and return to the US with a broader understanding of the lives of indigenous Chiapanecos. The delegation costs $400 plus airfares. This covers ground transport (the most expensive part), lodging and most food. Students and youth of color are eligible for scholarships.

"The Bad Harvest" -- the first video produced by Chiapaneco communities for international distribution -- is now available. "The Bad Harvest" is a seventeen minute snapshot that documents severe food shortages in indigenous communities in Chiapas. It tells a poignant story of crushing poverty using first hand testimony from several indigenous communities. "Now we cannot work because we are afraid of the army," laments a young woman who traces a large part of the problem to intense military presence throughout the state. The video is a co-production of indigenous youth who are learning video skills through the Chiapas Media Project and professional video producers from Mexico and the US.

To participate in the delegation or to purchase "The Bad Harvest", please contact the Chiapas Media Project at alex2051@xsite.net or call 773-583-7728.