Over the past 4 years documentary film maker Shafiur Rahman has been regularly back and forth from his home in the UK to the Rohingya Refugee camps in Bangladesh. Until the Covid-19 pandemic struck. Now 10 months into this global crisis on top of an already nightmarish situation for millions of Rohingya people, Shafiur has used these months to find new and creative ways of raising awareness and helping improve life for refugees living in the camps. Today on the podcast, we talk about the situation in 2020 for the Rohingya and how Shafiur has approached the issue in these trying times.
An African Election is a film that documents the struggle and achievements of the 2008 Ghanian elections. 4 years later, with the death President Atta Mills, the country is preparing to go back to the ballot box. And they’re not alone, throughout the continent of Africa, the wheels of democracy continue to turn, often in places you hear the least about in the international press. Film maker Jarreth Merz is fascinated and inspired by the shining examples of Africa, and in their stories he see’s a chance to inspire, the spark that can light a fire and get new discussions started, large and small. To do it, he’s putting together a mobile movie theater and bringing it all over Ghana and beyond. But he’s not doing it alone, besides his talented team, he’s putting out the call to people around the world who love democracy, Africa, aventure, and stories.. to get involved and get on board – it is time for A Political Safari.
The much anticipated documentary “The Caucuses Triangle” is now out and up on the web for all to see. It is a story and a journey that takes us from Azerbaijan to Armenia to Georgia, looking at youth media and the current situation in this unique region. Director and friend of the podcast Letizia Gambini was on the podcast just a few months ago talking about the research and process of making the film. It is exciting and interesting to get to see the final product. By all means, watch, share, make use of this great film!
It was a political campaign and a presidential election upon which not only the future of a nation rested but also the inspiration and example for much of the continent. Packed with emotion, with great highs and great lows, throughout the Ghanaian presidential election of 2008, Jarreth Merz was there. In the streets, in the party offices, at the ralleys, on the road, and finally in the strong room, he takes us along to witness a very special and important democratic process.
During the film’s premier at the Amsterdam International Documentary Film Festival, I had the chance to sit down with Jarreth and record this interview. Together we get into not only the idea behind the film but also the real characters and issues raised during the course of this film.
Veteran podcaster and new media pioneer Richard Bluestein joins me on the podcast today as we discuss staying free and making your podcast into a career.
It was a political campaign and a presidential election upon which not only the future of a nation rested but also the inspiration and example for much of the continent. Packed with emotion, with great highs and great lows, throughout the Ghanaian presidential