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STEFAN KASPAR
(Micro-) Movie Mogul
Stefan is building the capacity in the Andean Region for broad video literacy, catalyzing the engagement of otherwise
information-marginalized citizens. His growing chain of “microcinemas” bring indigenous Peruvian documentaries and
other films to 35 communities across Peru, where participants critically assess what they watch as a way to better
understand the challenges in their own communities. They also learn to use video to document their own reality,
forming a new generation of storytellers.

THE PROBLEM: Limited Media for the Masses

In 1982, Stefan Kaspar, originally born in Switzerland, began filming a movie when visiting Peru
based on the book “The Little Boy Close to the Sky.” While there, he realized that the lower
income people right outside Lime are exposed only to mainstream media that provides them the
perspectives of the country’s elite.

Peru’s poor typically lack access to independent media; it’s either not available where they live, or
it’s too expensive. The problem is exacerbated by historical government controls that limit press
freedom — and new developments threaten to weaken Peru’s media infrastructure even more.
Instead of supporting independent media, the government has effectively reinforced mainstream
media organizations. And legislators recently proposed a bill that would restrict freedom of
opinion across the board, sparking international objection. One result: The number of
independent cinemas in Peru has dropped by 87% since early 1990s.

THE NEW IDEA: From Mainstream to Meaningful Media

Stefan realized that the best way to increase access to media for this population was to teach
them how to consume it, and then teach them how to create it. Through his organization, Grupo
Chaski, created the “microcinema network” to distribute a package of independent films by
directors from developing countries, which began creating a national identity fostering civic
participation.
 THE STRATEGY: Forming Identity Through Discussions
Stefan overcame the issue of geography by using new technologies, particulary DVDs, to minimize
transportation costs. With this new media, Stefan can efficiently distribute packages of films
focused on social themes, such as gender equality or environmental sustainability, along with
discussion guides and other supplemental materials. Microcinema managers show the films, then
engage the audience in discussion and debate – leading to greater understanding of the issues the
films raise and their relevance to citizens’ lives. Grupo Chaski then provides handheld cameras
so that individuals can make their own films describing their lives, challenges, and solutions.

THE PERSON: From Cinematographer to Social Reformer

Born in Switzerland, Stefan travelled to Israel to pursue social work in the late 1960s. Witnessing
the ravages of the six-day war, Stefan began aiding reconstruction efforts in the Sinai desert where
he realized the power of media. After completing his education in Switzerland, Stefan continued
his social work by joining the “Declaration of Berne” to raise awareness surrounding the social
conditions of children in developing nations. During this work Stefan fell in love with a book, set
in Peru, that he turned into an acclaimed film. Post-filming, Stefan stayed in Peru to found Grupo
Chaski, and began his work in media reform.

THE FUTURE: Exporting the Model and Online Education

Stefan has trained 320 managers who have expanded Grupo Chaski’s network to 36 communities
across eight regions of Peru and, recently, Bolivia; these microcinemas now reach 34,000 people,
nearly double the number two years ago. Stefan plans to bring his project to Ecuador next. And
in the next few years, he expects to create an online “distance-learning” program for
microcinema managers, exponentially growing his network throughout Latin America.

Learn more: Watch Stefan discuss his work, motivation, and future plans in his own words; and read
his full profile.

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