The Filmmaking Program supports Ibrahim in starting his life and career path

“After I produced my own short videos successfully in the program, my self-confidence has increased, it gave purpose to my life, and made me feel proud in front of my family and friends”.

‑Participant Ibrahim Obaid

 

The COVID‑19 pandemic, accompanied with a long-term quarantine at the caravans of Syrian families in Za’atari Camp, has left a tremendously negative impact on the mental health and family relations of camp residents. Feelings of intense fear, anxiety and extreme anger have prevailed among male and female caregivers for months. According to a recent Mercy Corps study, 46% of the caregivers in Za’atari and Azraq camps reported feeling so afraid that nothing could calm them down as a result of the stress they experienced. It was also reported that 58% of camp residents reported that family relations have been negatively affected as a result of COVID‑19.

For the children, adolescents and families who have enjoyed Mercy Corps’ safe and friendly spaces for many years, the pandemic has shaken this reality and forced their space to gather and socialize to temporarily close. With the gradual return of Mercy Corps program activities in the Za’atari Camp, even at a smaller scale, has relieved Syrian families, children and adolescents as they return to their friendly spaces. For them, leisure and recreational activities allow them to explore and learn new skills, to express their creativity and to socialize and connect in a comfortable, welcoming environment.

One of the notable programs for adolescents is the filmmaking program, which provides individuals aged 13-18 years old with the opportunity to express their feelings and experiences and explore their creativity through innovative digital tools that allow them to write scripts and produce films. The program teaches basics of computer literacy (software and hardware), basic story writing, scripting, camera skills, and post-production skills while giving adolescents space to tell their own stories.

Ibrahim Obaid, 17 year old, who actively participated in the filmmaking program explains how the program has changed his life, renewed his hope and is helping him to reach his goal. He mentions: “Since I was a kid, I had a dream to become a photographer and filmmaker, to see my productions screened on TV and in the cinema so that I [would] become well-known, and my name would stand out in the filmmaking industry. This has never been possible when I was in Syria.”

Ibrahim adds: “I was introduced through friends to the filmmaking program with Mercy Corps, joining this educational and recreational program was the first step in achieving my future ambition. Here at Dreamland site, I learned the basics of using the computer, which is an essential step in preparing me for using filmmaking digital tools. I also learned how to use a camera, how to write scenarios for short movies so that I can soon access the film production and acting field.”

“I’m so grateful for Mercy Corps for helping me in reaching my dream and equipping me with the right skills to produce short movies at Mercy Corps safe spaces and with support from my friends from the Za’atari camp.” He added.

Ibrahim concluded: “After I produced my own short videos successfully in the program, my self-confidence has increased, it gave purpose to my life, and made me feel proud before my family and friends. Thank you to Mercy Corps and Source of hope for their great support to Syrian youth in Za’atari Camp.”