Different Minds – A documentary of Empowerment and hope

Campaign Story: Art education is a powerful tool in neurodivergent education, addressing a wide range of needs and promoting holistic development. By providing opportunities for emotional expression, cognitive growth, social interaction, sensory integration, and motor skills development, art helps neurodivergent individuals to thrive in an educational setting tailored to their unique strengths and challenges.

Being involved in filmmaking training over a decade I have encountered neurodivergent kids with a noticeable ability to understand and interpret the film medium. On discovering the working of Swasthi Foundation that uses Theatre for Holistic Development methodologies and the profound impact on the lives of many children and their families a documentary seems like natural next step.

Our organisation TOFS FOUNDATION works towards showcasing the workings of various organisations toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, specifically Media Education and Public access to information. Furthering the idea the documentary Different Minds aims to showcase Swasthi Foundation’s several goals, like good health and well-being (Goal 3), quality education (Goal4), reduced inequalities (Goal 10), and even decent work and economic growth (Goal 8). Efforts to improve mental health can contribute to achieving these goals by fostering healthier individuals, societies, and economies.

The Documentary will be shot and produced over a period of 3 months. The project is already underway with pre-production including research and coverage of an annual event. The production team has talent from The New York Film Academy and Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute.

Promotional video link
Different Minds (promo) – A documentary of Empowerment and hope

Risks and challenges: Creating a documentary about neurodivergent kids presents several unique challenges. These can span logistical, ethical, and practical considerations. Here’s a detailed list of potential challenges:
Ethical Considerations

Informed Consent: Ensuring that both the children and their guardians fully understand the project and consent to participation.

Privacy and Confidentiality: Protecting the identities and personal information of the children to avoid any potential stigma or exploitation.

Respect for Dignity: Ensuring that the portrayal of the children is respectful, accurate, and avoids reinforcing negative stereotypes.

Communication Barriers

Verbal Communication: Some neurodivergent children may have difficulties with verbal communication, requiring alternative methods to convey their thoughts and feelings.

Non-Verbal Cues: Understanding and interpreting non-verbal cues correctly to accurately represent the children’s experiences.

Behavioral Challenges

Unpredictable Behaviour: Some neurodivergent children might exhibit unpredictable or challenging behaviours, making it difficult to plan and execute filming schedules.

Sensory Sensitivities: Filming equipment and environments might need to be adapted to accommodate sensory sensitivities (e.g., bright lights, loud noises).

Building Trust and Rapport

Comfort Levels: It can take time for neurodivergent children to feel comfortable and trust the filmmakers, which is crucial for authentic and candid footage.

Consistency: Maintaining a consistent and predictable filming schedule can help in building trust but can be logistically challenging.

Parental and Caregiver Involvement

Coordination: Coordinating schedules with parents, caregivers, and potentially therapists or educators to ensure the child’s routine is minimally disrupted.

Parental Concerns: Addressing any concerns parents might have about their child’s portrayal or the impact of filming on their well-being.

Educational and Therapeutic Environments

Access: Gaining permission to film in Professionals , therapy sessions, or other environments where the children spend time.

Disruption: Minimising disruption to the children’s educational or therapeutic routines. Representation and Sensitivity

Accurate Representation: Ensuring that the documentary accurately represents the diverse experiences and perspectives of neurodivergent children.

Avoiding Stereotypes: Avoiding the reinforcement of stereotypes or the portrayal of neurodivergent children solely through the lens of their challenges.

Technical Challenges

Adaptive Equipment: Using equipment that is non-intrusive and adaptable to the needs of neurodivergent children.

Editing Sensitivity: Editing the footage in a way that respects the dignity and complexity of the children’s experiences without oversimplifying or sensationalising.

Emotional Impact on Filmmakers

Empathy Fatigue: The emotional toll on filmmakers who empathize deeply with the children and their families.

Professional Boundaries: Maintaining professional boundaries while forming close connections with the children and their families.

Cultural and Social Context

Cultural Sensitivity:Being aware of and sensitive to cultural differences in the understanding and acceptance of neurodivergence.

Social Stigma: Addressing and counteracting any existing social stigma related to neurodivergence through the documentary’s narrative.

Logistical Coordination

Scheduling: Coordinating filming schedules around the children’s routines and any additional support they require.

Making a documentary about neurodivergent kids requires careful planning, empathy, and a deep understanding of the unique challenges involved. It’s crucial to approach the project with sensitivity, respect, and a commitment to accurately and respectfully representing the experiences of neurodivergent children.

Campaign FAQs

Creating a documentary on the use of theatre as a mode of education for neurodivergent kids involves addressing numerous frequently asked questions (FAQs) to ensure transparency, understanding, and effective communication with all stakeholders involved. Here are some top FAQs that might be relevant:

What is the main objective of this documentary?

The documentary aims to explore how theatre can be used as an educational tool for neurodivergent kids, highlighting its benefits, challenges, and the transformative impact on students’ lives.

Who are the target audiences for this documentary?

Educators, parents, caregivers, policymakers, mental health professionals, and the general public interested in neurodiversity and innovative educational methods.

How do you ensure the privacy and consent of the participants?

We obtain informed consent from all participants and their guardians, clearly explaining the purpose of the documentary, how the footage will be used, and their rights to withdraw at any time.

What are the benefits of using theatre in education for neurodivergent kids?

Theatre can enhance social skills, communication, emotional expression, creativity, confidence, and sensory integration, providing a dynamic and supportive learning environment.

How do you address the varying needs of neurodivergent kids in a theatre setting?

By working with specialized educators and therapists who adapt theatre activities to suit individual needs, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility.

What methods will you use to document the theatre activities?

We will use unobtrusive filming techniques to capture authentic interactions and activities, supplemented by interviews with educators, parents, and the kids themselves when possible.

How do you handle the potential emotional and behavioral challenges during filming?

We maintain a flexible and empathetic approach, working closely with caregivers and educators to create a comfortable and supportive filming environment.

How will the documentary be used to raise awareness and promote advocacy?

The documentary will be distributed through educational platforms, film festivals, social media, and collaboration with advocacy organizations to reach a broad audience and spark conversations about neurodivergent education.

What are the expected outcomes of the documentary for the participants?

Increased self-esteem and confidence for the kids, a sense of accomplishment, and the opportunity to share their experiences and stories with a wider audience.

Who are the key experts and organisations involved in this documentary?

The documentary will feature interviews and insights from educators, therapists, theatre practitioners, and representatives from organisations specializing in neurodivergent education.

What measures are taken to ensure the documentary is respectful and accurate?

We are committed to ethical storytelling, collaborating with experts to ensure accuracy, and portraying the participants with dignity and respect.

How can the public support this initiative?

By watching and sharing the documentary, supporting inclusive educational programs, volunteering, and advocating for policies that promote neurodiversity and innovative teaching methods.

How will the documentary be funded and distributed?

Funding may come from grants, donations, and partnerships with educational and advocacy organizations. Distribution will be through online platforms, educational networks, film festivals, and community screenings.

What impact do you hope to achieve with this documentary?

We aim to increase awareness of the benefits of theatre in neurodivergent education, inspire other educational institutions to adopt similar programs, and promote a more inclusive and understanding society.

Can participants opt out after the filming has started?

Yes, participants and their guardians can withdraw their consent at any time, and any footage involving them will not be used without their permission.

How can the donor / contributor participate?

The Open Film School Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing film and media education. We welcome donors to participate in a workshop on documentary filmmaking.

These FAQs can help set clear expectations, address common concerns, and provide a comprehensive understanding of the documentary’s goals and methods, ensuring a smooth and respectful production process.

Vision and mission: The Open Film School Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing film and media education. Our mission is to empower students in

low-income groups with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate and contribute to the rapidly evolving landscape of media.

Through innovative programs and resources, we aim to help students make sense of the pervasive influence of media in their lives and equip them with the tools to critically analyze, create, and engage with various forms of visual storytelling. Whether it’s understanding the power of cinema, mastering digital media production, or exploring the intricacies of storytelling techniques, we strive to cultivate a community of informed and inspired media enthusiasts.

Rewards : For a donation of Rs.10,000 and above donors can attend a 6 day weekend filmmaking workshop in Pune/Bangalore or online.

About The Filmmaker:

https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bengaluru/2016/Aug/13/once-in-bollywood-jay-now-teac hes-techniques-for-versatile-cinema-1508717.html

https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/pune/a-long-short/

Budget : Summary

●  Miscellaneous: ₹25,000

●  Pre-Production: ₹75,000

●  Production: ₹2,50,000

●  Post-Production: ₹1,25,000

●  Marketing and Distribution: ₹50,000

●  Contingency: ₹50,000