KARAMA YEMEN: HUMAN RIGHTS FILM FESTIVAL – Press Release

22, February 22, 2022, Sana’a Yemen: The Karama Yemen: The Human Rights Film Festival organized by the Youth of the World Together Organization (YWT) and funded by the European Union today announced the festival will run virtually from 13-27 March and in selected cinemas in Yemen’s Aden, Hadhramaut and Taiz.

The 14-day festival will feature transformative films that focus on human rights around the world with a spotlight on Yemen. The third edition embodies the theme ‘Reclaiming Narratives’. The range of films was selected to amplify the voices of those who have been stereotyped or misrepresented so that they can reclaim control of their rights through the power of film.

The programme of 22 compelling short films spanning fiction and documentary sheds light on the ground-breaking and authentic local artistic content often created in an extreme environment or through times of uncertainty and hardships.

 

Alongside films from Yemen, the carefully curated programme presents films from Germany, Myanmar, Argentina, Netherlands, Iran, Hungary, South Korea, Kashmir, Taiwan, Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, Pakistan, United Kingdom, and Nepal. Over half of the programme has enjoyed international acclaim and 55% of the films in the programme are directed by women.

The Karama Yemen: Human Rights Film Festival was created with the support of The Youth of the World Together Organization (YWT), a youth non-profit that provides platforms to empower the youth and create positive change in their communities, support peacebuilding, human rights and enrich global understanding using arts, cultural, and media.

Together with funding from the European Union Delegation to Yemen, Karama Yemen launched in 2019 to advocate for human rights and social justice, encourage debate, and open a democratic dialogue on human rights issues by screening films from different parts of the world. The festival also serves as an important launchpad for Yemini talent and audiences to discover the diverse aspects of Yemeni life, the culture, and intimate portraits of life within the country.

In addition, festival-goers will be able to access a programme of masterclasses and panel discussions featuring Yemenis and international industry creatives to exchange knowledge, raise awareness, enjoy and debate.

Karama Yemen’s competitive sections will recognize remarkable creative filmmaking achievements, and Barran awards will be presented across four categories: Best Short Fiction Film, Best Short Documentary, Best Yemeni Film, and the Audience Award, with audiences voting for their favorite film of the festival.

Shaima Al-Tamimi, Programme Director, said: “Karama Yemen is a one-of-a-kind Festival that offers hope, a showcase of powerful narratives from the incredible talent and a form of escapism from the humanitarian crisis the country continues to face. The festival is dedicated to bringing people together, shaping understanding, and urging audiences to act on the most pressing issues facing humanity. I hope that the festival will have a collective impact on audiences at a time when the artistic expression is more important than ever.”

Nasser Almang, Festival Director and YWT CEO added: “The Festival aims to connect audiences to those fighting injustice, the festival will take audiences around the globe raising awareness of the human rights abuses faced both in Yemen and further afield. We hope to encourage change and use the festival as an opportunity to celebrate the talented local creatives who are using the power of filmmaking to tell their stories to the world, I’m confident these films will surprise and impress our local and international audiences.”

The Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the EU Delegation to Yemen Marion Lalisse said: “The EU is proud to fund the Karama Yemen Film Festival. This is an important event to bring to light human rights issues in Yemen and beyond through the power of film. Karama Yemen is an opportunity for brave and talented filmmakers affected by conflict and crisis to share their own unheard stories and a crucial platform through which new and authentic Yemeni voices can reach local and international audiences. Promoting and protection of human rights in Yemen is and will remain a priority issue for the EU.”

2022 Karama Yemen Human Rights Film Festival is funded by the European Union, supported by Movies that Matters and The National Endowment for Democracy, and in partnership with Anhar Networks and Karama Jodan Film Festival.