Established in 2002 after getting involved in an Indymedia event, the CG’s are an award winning team of professional, motivated film makers artists activists and students looking to use their skills to challenge injustice, raise awareness, support campaigns and document the efforts of others for positive change.

 

CG member Cassandra McGrogan gave S.O. an insight into how the group works. “We volunteer our time to make and showcase films and documentaries that raise awareness of social justice issues facing our local-global communities. Drawing on the resources, skills and experiences of our members, the Collective equips grassroots activists with the skills to make and use high quality video documentaries for campaigning and awareness raising.” The collective is open to all who share the groups aims.

 

There are 3 types of members: Active, Friends, and Institutional. We see ourselves as part of a global movement that is working towards social justice in our society. Camcorder Guerillas value equality, diversity and tolerance. Active participation and skill sharing are central to the ethos of the Collective. One production that really showcased the work and quality of the collective is “WELCOME”

 

Produced in June 2004 the documentary reveals the true experience of refugees who are being put out of their flats with no benefits and no right to work. Unable to return to their countries they’re in a stateless limbo on Glasgow’s streets. “WELCOME” tells the story of three homeless refugees. “My life is frozen”, says a Zimbabwean maths teacher who’s been living “underground” since being evicted from his Council flat. “I’m existing, but it’s not a life. “ I don’t think Scottish people know we are being chucked on the street, or they would not allow it to happen. 350 people attended the premiere of WELCOME at the GFT. Actionpacks and VHS copies were distributed.

 

This campaign is real evidence that ind’media production has a role in getting important issues to the eyes, hearts and minds of all concerned. There is room for these works to be considered by agencies, organisations and government as an intelligent contribution to understand our success and failure in the balance between the rights of society, the individual and the state. “ We have created a follow up to WELCOME to look what is happening today to asylum seekers in 2008 in Glasgow, and who is taking action to try to support them. It forms part of our new DVD compilation of Asylum films with a brand new actionpack on the DVD itself  (available from Febraury 2008).

 

Have a look at what we do on the CG website. Take a look, then take action.” Cassandra emphisised the internantional make up of the collective, “we are a diverse group, there are people from all over the globe, France, Palestine, South Africa and Scotland. We have professional members from television and film. If you have skills and some time to give the collective then get in touch.”

   {mxc}