Films within Samaj Pragati Sahayog represent an extension of the organisation's two-decade-long commitment. Operating in a remote and impoverished area where a significant portion of the population lacks literacy, films serve as a powerful medium for conveying new ideas and possibilities to the community. The filmmaking process itself becomes an immersive experience of learning and discovery, navigating numerous constraints to arrive at the most effective form of communication.
SPS Community Media, based in a remote tribal village in Madhya Pradesh, is dedicated to articulating the stories of people marginalised at the periphery. The core team consists of local individuals initiated into creating media content. The guiding principle is to amplify the voices of the people, reflecting the lived experiences of the region. The output includes more than 200 films, including social documentaries, community videos, training films, e-magazines, and podcasts.
These media contents are primarily shared within the local community through public screenings in open fields, small-group sessions, and one-to-one interactive sessions. Over 150 media disseminations occur monthly in different locations. An open-air cinema experience fosters connections among people, sharing learning, experiences, and ideas, while adding the joy of cinema to their lives.
Film Festival Recognition
SPS Community Media films have been appreciated in film festivals from across the world. Films have been officially selected in close to 116 national and international film festivals and have won 28 national and international awards. Recently SPS Community Media's documentary audio-story initiative called Terra Tales – Badalti Zameen, Palatte Panne was awarded Winner in the Category "Blogging, Vlogging and Storytelling" by Social Media for Empowerment 20-21 in an all-India contest organised by Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF).
SPS Community Media produced films are widely accessed regularly by Government as well as Non-Government Organisations across the country to conduct training on a diverse range of issues spanning rural development, water and local governance.
Film Production
200+ films — social documentaries, community videos, training films, e-magazines and podcasts produced by local team members.
Public Screenings
150+ media disseminations every month in open fields, small groups and one-to-one sessions across tribal villages.
Mobile Cinema
People's Mobile Cinema reaches 40–60 venues every season with audiences of 100 to 1,000 in remote locations.
International Recognition
116 national and international film festival selections; 28 awards — including Terra Tales (DEF 2020-21).
Capacity Building
Films used by governments and NGOs nationwide for training on rural development, water and local governance.
Podcasts & E-Magazines
Digital storytelling through podcasts and e-magazines expanding reach to literate and online communities.
