In March 1987 WASH consultants accompanied a film crew to Togo to assist in the production of a film on rural water activities to highlight progress at the mid-point of the U.N. Water Decade. The consultant participated in the identification of villages for possible filming and facilitated the meeting with Togolese officials and representatives of donors involved with rural water projects. The film was initially conceptualized as focusing on the theme of 'women and water.' Initial research made it clear that the proposed theme of the film would have to be revised in view of the realities in the filed. The focus on the film thus shifted to the need for effective community participation and community partnership with government in use, maintenance, and repair of village water systems.