UTILITY OF DOCUMENTARY FILMS FOR PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE WATER MANAGEMENT IN SRI LANKA

Abstract

In Sri Lanka, the management of water resources and the establishment of sustainable socio-ecological systems face formidable challenges, exacerbated by cli- mate change and rapid urbanization. Effective community engagement is indispensa- ble in tackling these issues, yet there exists a significant knowledge gap regarding the utility of documentary films as tools to facilitate such engagement. This research study sets out to investigate whether documentary films can effectively stimulate community engagement and contribute to the establishment of sustainable and resili- ent socio-ecological systems and water management practices in Sri Lanka. This re- search aimed to evaluate the impact of documentary films in raising awareness and mobilizing communities for improved sustainability, identify influencing factors, and provide actionable recommendations for water resources management and the estab- lishment of sustainable socio-ecological systems in Sri Lanka. Employing a mixed- methods approach, combining both quantitative and qualitative methods, the research collected data through surveys conducted among selected communities, content anal- ysis of documentary films addressing water management and socio-ecological issues in Sri Lanka, and in-depth interviews with key stakeholders including filmmakers, community leaders, and water management experts. Preliminary findings suggest that documentary films possess the potential to be potent tools for enhancing awareness and encouraging community engagement in water management and socio-ecological resilience efforts in Sri Lanka. Communities exposed to well-crafted documentary films demonstrated increased knowledge, more positive attitudes, and a greater incli- nation to take action toward sustainable water management. However, the effective- ness of these films is influenced by factors such as the quality of narrative, cultural relevance, and accessibility. Collaboration between filmmakers, government agen- cies, NGOs, and local communities emerges as a crucial factor for maximizing the impact of documentary films in the promotion of sustainable socio-ecological systems and water management. These preliminary findings provide valuable insights into the potential of documentary films as a means of community engagement and offer path- ways for leveraging this medium to address pressing socio-ecological challenges in Sri Lanka