Filming in Northern Uganda

Hello from East Africa!

I've just wrapped the fifth and final shoot for "Youth Zones", a project I'm doing in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Women's Refugee Commission (formerly the Women's Commission for Refugee Women and Children.)

The film profiles several young people who are doing extraordinary things in their communities after conflict and/or natural disaster. We've filmmed in Liberia, Lebanon, Colombia, New Orleans and just completed the shoot in Northern Uganda, where young people, many of whom were abducted by rebels, have taken charge of combating the AIDS epidemic in their communities.

What has been so amazing about this project is its focus on allowing young people to speak for themselves. The film only showcases youth voices and has no experts or adults talking on behalf of youth.

As educators, health care workers, artists, peace activists and others, ranging from ages 15-25, the young people in the film speak of the challenges they face - in terms of accessing services and overcoming the burdens that fall on the shoulders of youth in crises - and they illustrate how, when given the support and resources they need, can rise above such challenges to build healthier lives and societies.

The film will be accompanied by a new media website as well as advocacy packets and will be largely distributed to donors, policy makers, student activists and others. We anticipate launching the project towards the end of the year.

As always, thanks for your support and interest.

Lisa