The MSF has been in existence since 2004 and was recently incorporated as a legal entity in 2007. The organisation is run by a dedicated group of volunteers who form the MSF Organising committee which meet monthly and participate in online discussions. The organising committee is supported by generous volunteers that come together to assist in making the events run smoothly.

The MSF is an annual open space event, and a network, for facilitating debate, self-expression and imagination in addressing global issues. In particular for seeking out, articulating and helping to establish more sustainable and just versions of globalisation, through the development and enaction of ocal alternatives.

The Melbourne Social Forum (MSF) inherits it’s origins from the World Social Forum which was initiated in 2001. The World Social Forum is a meta-collaboration between thousands of NGOs, community grassroots groups, and civil society to dialogue, reflect and act in increasingly effective ways toward the acknowledgment that ‘another world is possible’.

As we emerge into the 21st century, it is becoming increasingly clear that we as a planet are facing numerous challenges, in the area of ecology, development, human rights, peace, and culture. It has also become increasingly clear that neo-liberal globalisation is only compounding the meta-problems we face, through favouring the short term interests of multi-national corporations and the super rich over the interests of ordinary people, the world’s desperate poor, marginalised, future generations, and the Earth’s ecosystems.

In just 4 years over 160 social forums have been held in over 120 cities around the world. Where did such a dynamic process come from? This documentary looks at the emergence of the World Social Forum, from the perspective of one of its founders, Chico Whitaker, and highlights the local Melbourne Social Forum‘s significance to the community. Through various interviews the meaning and rationale of the social forum process is contextualised.

Produced by : Simon Moule, Sal Castro and Jose Ramos

Camera Operator: Sal Castro and Plug in Crew 2004
Editors: Simon Moule (part 1) and Jose Ramos (part 2)
Music: Simon Moule (part I) Rachael and Michael (part 2)