ABSTRACT
This study examines the role of Video for Development (VfD) as an art form in promoting peacebuilding and cultural sustainability in the land conflict between the Nkwen and Bamendankwe communities in Northwest Cameroon. In order to ensure peaceful coexistence and cultural sustainability, communities should engage in effective and meaningful dialogue and participation rather than the ‘top-bottom’ approaches employed in resolving land conflicts. The main questions this chapter sets out to answer are: (i) To what extent is VfD relevant to building a culture of peace between the Nkwen and Babendankwe communities in Northwest Cameroon? (ii) How are dialogue and participation critical to peacebuilding and cultural sustainability in the Nkwen and Bamendankwe communities in Northwest Cameroon? The study made use of focus group discussions (FGDs), key informant interviews (KIIs), Video for Development (VfD), workshop and desk review to explore the role VfD plays in community participation towards peaceful coexistence. The neorealist film theory of Roberto Rossellini, Vittorio De Sica and Luchino Visconti and Paulo Freire’s theory on dialogical pedagogy were used as theoretical framework for the study.
The findings indicated that VfD provided an enabling environment for both communities’ conscientisation, empowerment and engagement in the peacebuilding process of the land conflict that exists between them. Through community participation, participants also identified cultural practices that have been abandoned by both communities and proposed for their reintroduction for peaceful coexistence. The research brought out the role of art-based approaches to peacebuilding and cultural sustainability as well as showcased the strength of community participation in peace processes as an exemplary approach towards cultural sustainability.
