U.S. Supports Young Filmmakers
Premier of three films fosters discussion of key issuesCOLOMBO, February 15, 2006: Three new films that focus on key issues facing Sri Lanka had their premiere last Saturday, February 11. The films are the culmination of a program sponsored by the United States that trained 75 aspiring cinematographers from tsunami-affected areas in all facets of filmmaking.
The opportunity for these young people to bring key issues such as a negotiated peace settlement and tsunami recovery into public consciousness through film stems from the idea that balanced information and vibrant discussion of the conflict and peace related issues are critical to advancing the peace process in Sri Lanka.
To that end, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has supported the National Cultural Forum (NCF) to train the young aspiring cinematographers from diverse backgrounds as a means to examine issues related to peace and conflict in Sri Lanka.
As part of the activity, generated by USAID’s Office of Transition Initiatives (OTI), the youth produced the three short films, which target opinion shapers in the community. The films will subsequently be screened publicly across the three southern districts of Galle, Hambantota and Matara, the homes for all but five of the participants. NCF is exploring the possibility of similar projects in other regions of the country
“We believe that youth can take a lead role in promoting peace and reducing ethnic tension and conflict in Sri Lanka,” USAID Mission Director Dr. Carol Becker said at the premier. “Helping these young people to develop these films, and involving the public at large today and at later screenings elsewhere will generate discussion of the conflict and peace, and foster understanding of the issues involved in a negotiated settlement.”
Each of the three films examines issues related to conflict or violence within the tsunami-affected South and in one case underscores the role of poverty in this vicious cycle. USAID recognizes the linkages between underdevelopment and violence, and the heavy psychological and social toll of the prolonged conflict in Sri Lanka.
Such activities, funded through the OTI small-grants program, are one of many ways in which USAID seeks to support initiatives toward a more peaceful, prosperous future for all Sri Lankans.
The OTI program was established within USAID in March 2003. It aims to generate greater support for a negotiated peace settlement to end the Sri Lankan conflict by creating awareness and increasing understanding on key issues. It also seeks to change attitudes sustaining the conflict through information dissemination, advocacy, dialogue and debate. Through its flexible small-grants program, USAID/OTI has awarded 494 grants worth more than $14 million in grants.
Each of the three films examines issues related to conflict or violence within the tsunami-affected South and in one case underscores the role of poverty in this vicious cycle. USAID recognizes the linkages between underdevelopment and violence, and the heavy psychological and social toll of the prolonged conflict in Sri Lanka.