Videovankkuri

Videovankkuri (Video wagon) is a national hands-on media education project. It offers both video and photography workshops, whose aim is to teach children and youngsters to use media equipment. Videovankkuri also trains teachers and others who can apply these skills and knowledge in their work. Besides letting kids and young people have their voices heard, the project records Finnish folklore and local history through photography, video and animation.

According to a fixed schedule, Videovankkuri visits Finnish schools, libraries, youth and culture centres, child welfare institutes, nursery schools and museums. The workshops last 1-3 days.

The instructors bring the equipment with them, but they also show how to use the existing equipment on location. The instructors are all qualified professionals from the registered association Videootit, which is an organisation consisting of people with a long history of both working with children and youngsters and art and media education. Videootit thanks The Ministry of Education and Culture for their significant support.

The function of Videovankkuri

The pupils have an opportunity to learn about making documentaries, drama, animation and music or art videos. They can also explore both documentary and staged photos, and learn about content analysis.

Other subjects of the video and photography projects besides the ones youngsters have thought of themselves can be based on local stories, beliefs and old tales.

Young people’s own thoughts

The project offers a medium to youngsters to express themselves. Through the films the participants can tell about things that matter to them. The topics can be funny or sad, but the aim is to deal with personal, subjective issues.

Recording folklore

In some places Videovankkuri produces videos and animations about Finnish folklore and local history. The films can tell about local stories, beliefs and old tales. If there is a museum or a building involved in the story nearby, it is possible to make a fictional film. We can also collect documentary material or create an animation based on the subject. We hope to cooperate with local cultural services and museums.

Special themes and cooperational partners

Videovankkuri works in collaboration with various organisations and partners. The workshops can be modified according to their wishes; for example, the workshop participants can make films about nature and environmental conservation.