A meeting that began today in Eastern Highlands is looking at encouraging a growth in the production of local media content.
The 10th OUR Media conference at the University of Goroka has brought together participants from five nations and the twenty provinces of Papua New Guinea.
Over the past two years, the University of Goroka has been at the forefront of developing media content through community participation.
Over the next five days, array of topics will be discussed here in Goroka of primary importance, are the production of local content and the various applications of tools and technology related to the media.
Now Goroka is of significance, because it used to be the heart of PNG’s film industry.
Now over the last twenty four months, the University of Goroka has been heavily engaged in community produced documentaries.
It’s an encouraging movement to this still in its infancy. Participants at this conference have come from various parts of the world, Colombia, Australia, Japan and a few more, experiencing the feel of a buried and thought provoking, with ongoing social challenges faced by communities in PNG, the focus here has been to give communities a voice, that can influence political and social change.
One of the tools most highlighted, has been the use of visual media.
Dr.Michael Mel from the University of Goroka is one of the many, who want to see a re-emergence of the film industry in a big way.
Goroka’s film industry once strived, but largely unsupported the industry, slowly dwelled into non-existence.
The renewed interest in the film industry using rapidly evolving technology has been encouraging for those driving the development.
Bougainville Aloysius Laukai, is using a mix of conventional media tools and mobile technology. He says the speed of information is crucial, if rural audiences are to contribute, and be informed.
Diverse communities, diverse media, it’s a theme that echoes what needs to be done and, what’s evolving.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=ybT1AUIMnYU%3Ffeature%3Doembed%26wmode%3Dopaque%26showinfo%3D0%26showsearch%3D0%26rel%3D0
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