Glocal Films is a London based non for profit film production company founded by Silke Beller and Kerstin Rickermann in 2004. Glocal Films aims to communicate intercultural experiences, to refashion conventional views of marginalised subjects and to facilitate the democratic use of technology and filmic expression. We have a unique way of working with our clients which draws upon our experience of filmmaking, social work and visual anthropology.Next to our independent documentaries, we work closely with local authorities, government agencies, schools and charities around the globe. Our multi lingual team has extensive experience of working with vulnerable people from various backgrounds, abilities and age groups.We work very closely with our client organisations and develop bespoke film projects, that best meet their needs. The core values establishing the basis for our projects are high impact, longevity and sustainability.Glocal Films facilitates participatory video workshops with communities around the world, empowering individuals and groups in creating a voice through film. Based on a democratic approach, our participatory video projects can serve as a medium for research, documentation, implementation, evaluation and training. All our participants receive training and are equally involved in the making of their own film. The process is an exciting way of allowing people to explore issues and voice their concerns. This method allows the participants to develop their abilities with regards to technical, creative, organisational, social and cultural skills. Our approach is non-exclusive, learner – orientated and enabling. We provide the framework, the participants produce the content.

I am an independent engagement & participation consultant, specialized in designing and delivering bespoke on-and offline film and media literacy training programs based on participatory video methods.

Working as a locus Social Worker for fostering and adoption services in the United Kingdom, I worked on:- Recruitment and assessment of foster carers, short break carers and adopters- Facilitation of preparation training for foster carers

Working with numerous local authorities and charities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, I provided independent consultancy and bespoke film services across different teams including fostering and adoption, children with disabilities, educational psychology and marketing and communication.Main areas of expertise: - I initiated and developed a national film service that changed family placement processes across the UK and gave looked-after children and their foster carers a voice in the matching process with a potential permanent family.- I consulted and supported social work teams in the implementation of using film as part of their practice.- I trained social work teams and foster carers in optimizing their film skills for life story work.

After graduation I worked across a number of different social work roles in Germany and Peru:- School social work at a secondary school for pupils with emotional needs, Cologne, Germany.- Residential work in a children’s day centre for children from single mothers, Arequipa, Peru.- Supporting young offenders into work placements, Brücke Köln e.V, Cologne, Germany.- Personal Assistant to a woman with severe disabilities, Caritas Köln, Cologne, Germany.