The “Sawt Cinema” initiative, launched by poet and activist Samah Al-Shaghadri, aims to raise awareness of the dangers of war and warn against conflict by presenting film screenings in Sana’a that promote messages of rejecting violence and encouraging coexistence among people.
The initiative has resonated powerfully with audiences in Yemen through its screenings of films that reflect crises and conflicts similar to the ongoing situation in the country. Its central goal is to educate the public about the devastating humanitarian impact of war and the deep sectarian divisions that are difficult to repair.
Sawt in the Face of War
According to Samah Al-Shaghadri, one of the core aims of Sawt Cinema—launched in cooperation with the Dutch Embassy in Sana’a—is to convey messages of peace and coexistence, and to promote a culture of rejecting violence and extremism within Yemeni society, which is currently experiencing catastrophic fragmentation that threatens its social fabric.
Al-Shaghadri believes that cinema is a
powerful medium for spreading a culture of peace:
“The voice rejecting war and the harsh conditions Yemen is experiencing comes from this culture, because audio-visual culture is the only tool capable of discussing all the conflicting ideas and visions on the Yemeni scene, and of strengthening the values of coexistence and peace.”
Films Reflecting Yemeni Realities
On how the films are chosen, she explains:
“We make sure that the messages and ideas are delivered smoothly and without provocation. That’s why our audience is diverse—across age groups, political affiliations, and even among religious figures. We want to discuss real issues.”
Among the films shown are:
- Beasts of No Nation, which highlights the impacts of armed conflict on
women and children; - The Divergent and The Rebellious, tackling internal fractures caused by civil war;
- Peace-Making Women, a documentary on women’s roles in peacemaking;
- Where Do We Go Now? (a Lebanese film about sectarian tensions and their effects on communities and minorities).
A Youth-Led Dialogue
The initiative’s success lies in addressing humanitarian issues that directly concern the Yemeni public—especially the war, which has devastated all citizens. According to regular attendee Abdullah Abdulwahid:
“The strength of the initiative is its professionalism in presenting these topics, without dragging them into political bickering. That’s why even religious groups accepted it.”
Reviving Cinema Culture in Yemen
Despite major challenges—including funding, limited infrastructure, and weak interest in cinema—the project has pushed forward in a civil and dignified manner.
“The achievement of Sawt Cinema lies in its effort to revive cinema-going culture in Yemen, which has stagnated for decades,” says Al-Shaghadri, “and in dispelling negative stereotypes about cinema and about Yemen itself.”
Cinema in Yemen has largely disappeared over the last 30 years, even though the country—especially Aden—was familiar with film since 1918 during the silent film era. At one point, Yemen had 49 cinemas. Today, only a few remain, repurposed for screening DVDs or international football matches.
Public Reactions
Young man Ahmad Mahyoub Al-Shuraabi told DW Arabic:
“I hadn’t been to a cinema in 20 years. But when I heard about these curated screenings addressing war issues, I went—and was impressed.”
Over the past 32 weeks, Sawt Cinema has hosted weekly screenings every Wednesday in Sana’a with increasing turnout despite a limited venue. The initiative has attracted youth, intellectuals, activists, and academics alike.
Human rights advocate Irsal Bashar says:
“Theater and cinema are essential for the development of nations. We need initiatives like Sawt Cinema, especially under the tragic circumstances Yemen is living through.”
Nadaa Al-Asoudi adds:
“This initiative succeeded in a short time
and brought cinema back into public discourse. I hope a stronger donor steps in so they can expand the screening hall.”
The initiative has even garnered international attention. Syrian poet Aref Hamza, residing in Germany, remarked:
“For weeks, my Yemeni friends have brought life to others through cinema—even as death surrounds them. What makes this initiative remarkable is that it’s happening in a war-torn Arab country. I’m also amazed by the huge engagement of young Yemenis who deserve to live.”
Hamza added:
“What made Sawt Cinema so compelling is its broad, global scope—screenings from America, Asia, Europe, and Africa—addressing issues deeply rooted in daily life: human rights, civil liberties, justice, and equality.”
Source: [dw.com/ar, October 28, 2016]
