Friends, Strangers, Citizens? Life in Britain post 7/7

Though described an educational resource, this DVD produced by the South Asian Development Partnership will grab anyone who cares about the big issues of our time – the roots of terrorism, how faith shapes society, the limits of free speech, has multiculturalism had its day.

It packs in a huge amount in a short timespan. Each of its five segments deals with one of the topics above, based round an open question for example ‘What happened on 7/7?’. It illuminates these through street interviews shot in multi-ethnic parts of London, and comments from leading figures from different communities – political, cultural, faith based and academic. It probes the issues sensitively but avoids easy answers, and challenges you to think further and deeper.

This DVD has so many strengths. The camerawork is superb. Passers by are caught in the most natural way, so you almost feel it’s your neighbour or your nephew talking. Every shot is vivid and colourful. The experts are well chosen and come over as individuals rather than pundits - here a Chief Constable, here a mosque leader, there a national politician. They’re thoughtful and informative. But they don’t duck the difficult questions and represent many points of view.

The DVD works through tapping into people’s thoughts and feelings and allowing them to speak, whether as ‘ordinary people’ or experts. It’s like a mosaic or series of snapshots – a picture builds up but the viewer has to do some work too.

The DVD is intended as a discussion starter for use in settings such as schools and community groups. It worked brilliantly at an event organised by the Balham and Tooting Community Association, and attended by Sadiq Kahn MP for Tooting, in November 2007. Worksheets form part of the DVD to help prompt thought and discussion about the issues.

The DVD gets top marks as s discussion resource but anyone, anywhere will find it compelling viewing.

Nominated by Kate Allan, 29 May 2008

I think this is a fantastic resource which isn't afraid to ask some of the big and difficult questions at the very heart of our society. A brilliant discussion starter, especially useful in schools, where young people cannot avoid dealing with some of these issues.

Submitted by Martin Saunders, 29 May 2008

This was a great discussion resource that was used in at conferences in 2007 where young people were given the opportunity to disuss the questions and then feed back to a high profile audience.

The the delegates were impressed with the DVD which really helped stimulate debate. A really valuable resource that all youth groups should use.

Submitted by Amanda Fitzsimmons, 30 May 2008

At the South Asian Development Partnership conferences that I chaired in Birmingham and Leeds, the Friends, Strangers, Citizens DVD was used in workshops for young people and was very effective in getting them to think about and discuss the issues. It was very interesting to hear them share some of their discussion points in the afternoon session with the main conference which had also viewed extracts from the DVD. The DVD exposes viewers to a wide range of opinions and perspectives, some of which they might not have considered and helps them think about their own views in the wider context. I think it is an excellent tool for bringing people together to talk openly about important issues, with the aim of building bridges.

Prem Sharma, Chairman, India Development Trust

Submitted by Dr Prem Sharma, 09 June 2008