Taller de Video / Video Workshop
Over a six-week period the producers of MAQUILAPOLIS conducted a video workshop in Tijuana, training a group of promotoras (community activists) to use digital video cameras. The workshop covered filming techniques, sound recording, and ways to tell a story using the documentary medium. Participants made intimate video diaries and worked in teams to document their lives and their stories. The final piece will incorporate footage recorded during the workshop, giving the documentary subjects a voice in their own representation.

In addition, thanks to a grant from the Creative Work Fund, two cameras remain with the Tijuana women's group Grupo Factor X, so that the promotoras can continue recording their visions of Tijuana and their lives. The project is seeking funding for an editing workshop to train the activists in the use of a non-linear editing system, and for grass-roots distribution of the film in Mexico and the U.S.

MAQUILAPOLIS Co-Director Vicky Funari working with Factor X staff member Carmen during a camera training session.
Co-producer Darcy McKinnon reviews footage with Lourdes and Yesenia. Co-producer Darcy McKinnon acts as workshop facilitator as she reviews video diary footage with promotoras Lourdes and Yesenia, who shot it.
Eva reviews the footage of the choreographed sequence she just finished with the 16mm crew, as co-director Vicky looks on.
Production still from the filming of the choreographed 16mm sequences. Yesenia shows us her most hated object in the world.
All photos: darcy mcKinnon and beti alfaro