The original concept had been the brainchild of the Knysna CPF, explains CPF PRO Cheryl Britz. The CPF partnered with the local police, FAMSA and Rape Outcry to challenge anyone with a camera to take part in what is hopefully to become a thought-provoking and powerful voice, using images to tell the story of the community's fight against crime and abuse.
"We need to capture images that portray not only the human suffering that crimes such as rape, abuse and domestic violence cause, but also the caring and support happening in our community a daily basis. The idea is to make a visual impact. Many actions are taking place on a daily basis that people don't get to see, for example the patrols late at night to protect and prevent crimes from being committed.
Or even the victim support rooms at the police station and the dedicated SAPS and security company members who work to keep Knysna safe for all," says Britz.
At the briefing, professional photographers Ian and Warren Fleming also explained that people were allowed to 'pose' a certain activity, taking into consideration that an individual who is a real victim of abuse should be handled with great sensitivity. Child victims' faces may not be photographed.
"There are many ways of photographing people without necessarily showing their faces, yet still creating a powerful image that conveys an unmistakable message," agrees Britz.
The entry forms include moral release forms to allow real victims who are willing to pose for a photograph, to give permission for the image to be made public.
The CPF decided on this project because of photography's potential to be a powerful medium of communication.
Says Britz, "It leaves us alone with our thoughts - it remembers little things long after you have forgotten."
The goal of the campaign is to capture 'the truth' to mobilise people to take action. It aims to educate teachers, social workers, as well as to inform the youth and to teach them to speak out if they see something wrong or illegal in their neighbourhood.
The exhibition of photos will be displayed at the Knysna Mall from Wednesday, August 8 onwards and the photographs selected will also be used for school awareness drives.
Participation in the campaign is open to anyone with a camera - from school learners, amateurs to professional photographers. Entry forms can be obtained from the FAMSA offices in Spring Street.
For more clarity on what exactly the organisers are looking for, contact CPF PRO Cheryl Britz on 082 574 9657.
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Keen to support the Photographic Awareness Campaign are (from the left) Rich Myali, Peter Kachapilo, Jenna-Lee Procter of Rape Outcry, Knysna’s executive mayor Georlene Wolmarans, photographer Ian Fleming, Denver Lavack, Cheryl Britz of the CPF, Constable Chris Spies, Col Nolan Michaels, Mary Arnolds, Kathleen Melambo, Anisha Ebrahimjee, David Arends, Rochelle Kock and Donald Twayise. (Photo: Warren Fleming.)
ARTICLE: ANOESCHKA VON MECK, KNYSNA-PLETT HERALD JOURNALIST
