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Just in time for the multicultural festivities in March, the Moonee Valley Interfaith Network (MVIN), in partnership with the Campfire Film Foundation have completed a creative 11minute film about the local area. I Believe in the Local News takes an invigorating tour through the local area and the soul of its people. It’s being launched in schools over the coming months with the support of the Moonee Valley Council, providing a wonderful opportunity to engage students in Primary, Secondary and Tertiary institutions.

“I think what’s most exciting about this documentary, is that it’s very accessible to students and teachers in any school – both independent and government – because it explores what makes us all tick as story-telling beings,” said filmmaker Richard Leigh. After getting the request and go-ahead from MVIN in late 2014 and some funding from the Victorian Multicultural Commission, Richard met with a core group from the Network to brainstorm. “What was so fascinating about that first meeting was the wealth of stories, experiences and history present within the people there,” he said. “We started small, and grew it outwards, using the local networks of people from the local area.”

The film, now complete with comprehensive notes for teachers aligning with key areas in the Australian Curriculum, suits a range of subject areas like:

• English
• History
• Media
• Religion and values education
• General Capabilities: Intercultural Understanding, Creative & Critical Thinking

Unlike many documentaries on the subject of peace, harmony and social cohesion, it can be unsettling and challenging. Its fast pace and heavy beats draws more on the artistic sensibilities of a music video or ‘radio feature’ than the gentle spiritual traditions of its many on-screen subjects. While it is uplifting and hopeful, it leads the viewer ultimately to a challenge – that we must all continue to work together to safeguard a peaceful society.

I Believe in the Local News was officially signed-off by the MVIN on 19th Feb and launched on the Campfire website on 25th Feb. It is available to Campfire members, but will go into a “free viewing area” on the site known as the “Featured” section in time for the Victorian Multicultural Diversity week 14 – 22 March.

Local schools will be contacted during the coming months and offered a chance to have a special “launch screening” in their school along with the filmmaker and representatives of the different faith groups, coordinated by the MVIN, many who appear in the film.

“It’s an exciting way to engage young people with big ideas about social cohesion. My hope is that it inspires young and old alike to remember that social harmony is not something ‘out there’ that others do on special occasions, but it happens every day, in every local area, and every time we press ‘post’ on our personal media screens.”

The video can be viewed here:

For more information, contact Richard richard@campfire.org.au Mob: 0413 182 082