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World renowned filmmaking programme to train Ajloun’s youth

By Camille Dupire - Oct 17,2018 - Last updated at Oct 17,2018

A young filmmaker is seen in action at an i-Dare project in Amman recently (Photo courtesy of Oxfam)

AMMAN — Young aspiring filmmakers are given the unique opportunity to develop their creative skills and receive comprehensive training from world acclaimed professionals, as part of the new "TABIR: Youth Voices through Film" project.

Launched by I-Dare for Sustainable Development and Oxfam, the project will work with young men and women in Kufranjeh, in Ajloun, to help them film, edit and produce their own movies. 

"With this creative approach to self-expression through filmmaking, TABIR aims to strengthen the agency of young men and women in Jordan and increase their capacity to make their voices heard in their communities," a joint statement sent to The Jordan Times said, adding: "TABIR also aims to improve participants’ leadership abilities, build their technical skills in the field of filmmaking, and promote dialogues between different generations and cultures."

The project's entire creative process, which will be supported by a team of experienced filmmakers and youth workers from Jordan and Canada, will be conducted in collaboration with Wapikoni Mobile, a Canadian organisation that has supported youth-led film production in countries such as Canada, Palestine, Peru, Bolivia and Turkey, among others.

Throughout the seven-week project, around 35 youth will take part in practical workshops given in Ajloun, 76 km northwest of Amman, using the teaching method developed by filmmaker Manon Barbeau in collaboration with film professionals, an Oxfam representative told The Jordan Times.

“Learning by doing”, the participants will be acquainted with the writing, directing and producing steps of filmmaking, learning about the technical aspects of the job such as camera, sound recording and editing, according to the project organisers. 

"By bringing youth together, participating in positive and rewarding activities, Wapikoni Mobile offers 'respite' to communities often faced with severe social issues," the organisation said on its website, noting that "many young people need to share the problems they face at home and in their daily lives. Our recurring presence allows them to confide, reassured by confidentiality that is rare in a small village where everyone knows each other. We welcome participants on both a personal and a creative level, at whatever stage they are at in their life." 

For Oxfam in Jordan Country Director Nivedita Monga, who voiced Oxfam's "excitement to support the youth of Kufranjah to make their voices heard through film", "it is important that young men and women have the opportunity to influence decision making processes that affect their lives". 

“This process will help young women and men in Kufranjeh, in Ajloun, to develop their creative abilities in storytelling, empower them with new skills, and provide a platform for them to express themselves in their own community and build a new network around the world,” said Suha Ayyash, project director at I-Dare, a non-profit Jordanian organisation that aims at "enhancing positive youth development and unleashing youth agency".

Since 2004, the short movies produced by young men and women with Wapikoni have received over 150 awards and distinctions at festivals around the world, despite being produced by young people with no former experience in filmmaking, according to Wapikoni's website.

Funded by the Canadian government through Global Affairs Canada (GAC), TABIR will be implemented in collaboration with the cultural Nabd Forum. 

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