Camera as Voice

Program Overview

Camera as Voice is a program using film to empower youth expression and dialogue to counter extremism and radicalism in Yemen. This project will lead youth in developing film projects that will explore themes of globalization, anti-Westernism, modernization, alienation and community disadvantage – issues that can contribute to radicalism. It will also weave together these voices and films into one professionally produced “tapestry” film that explores the same issues.

The program reaches out to youth who are more susceptible to radicalization to counter voices of extremism and encourage these youth to also explore these issues critically and constructively. Camera as Voice is a 12-month-long program funded by the United Kingdom’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO). IREX and its network partner IREX Europe work together with the Yemen-based Youth Leadership Development Foundation on implementation of this program.

Program Objectives

• Moderate youth have a voice to counter radical messages: between 150 and 200 youth will voice their opinions through participation in film(s) projects
• Change of participating youth’s perception on issues related to radicalization
• Expose youth susceptible to radicalization to moderate ideas and opportunities for dialogue through viewing program’s film(s)
• Yemeni community viewing program’s film(s) will change their perception of issues related to radicalization

Project Activities

• Youth empowerment NGOs in Sana’a, Adenm Taiz, Hadramont, and Ibb will be trained and provided with video equipment to assist youth in using film as a medium of expression to complement the curricula of their youth programs
• A series of live viewing and discussion sessions of film(s) will be conducted in targeted communities

Project History

IREX and IREX Europe will build upon the success of the Bangladesh Mobile Cinema project—funded by the United Kingdom’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), formerly known as the Global Opportunities Fund--to explore similar themes in Yemen. It will also build on its successful collaboration with the Yemeni NGO Youth Leadership Development Foundation, with whom it implemented another GOF-supported youth development program, the Young Women Leadership Program in Yemen.

Program Contact

For more information please contact csd@irex.org