This workshop is anchored in the principles of deep ecology, an environmental philosophy that understands self as deeply connected with and as part of nature, not disassociated with it. Deep ecology posits a biocentric worldview, whereby the human entity is not above or below any other natural entity, it is inherently equal. This perspective is interesting for documentary filmmaking particularly of ethnographic nature as it concurs with the worldview of most aboriginal cultures and close-knit indigenous communities – like in the case of Phyang, Leh-Ladakh – the basecamp of our workshop.

Drawing inspiration from a biocentric worldview, the workshop is designed in the exploration of 3S: Self-Surrounding-Story, wherein we begin with introspection; and look around in response to inner curiosities and concerns. We look forward to crafting stories that spring from an authentic interaction of the self with the surrounding.

We will put on the table challenging questions like the purpose of filmmaking or the position of the filmmaker, for instance, being an insider or an outsider. The perks of the position, the point of entry or the line of enquiry, the field of access, the sensitivity or the dynamism while approaching the subject. The workshop will take a philosophical approach, while working out and demonstrating practical processes of filmmaking.