Zero Silence

Between November 2009 and June 2011, three filmmakers followed several young Arabs in their struggle for freedom of expression and democracy in Tunisia, Egypt and Lebanon. They broke the silence and pursued peace through text, music, photography and film.

Remaining silent is no longer an option for the young generation in the Arab world. The uprising in Tunisia at the beginning of 2010 acted as a catalyst for militant civilians in other Arab countries, who had more than enough of oppression, fear and violence. With the Internet and social media channels as their mouthpiece they helped the population become more aware of social injustice issues by posting political blogs, photos and videos. In doing this, they put their own lives in jeopardy. The battle is far from over, however, despite the changes that have taken place in the Middle East. As the protagonists of the new democracy put it: “The revolutionaries that have enabled this change should now keep up the struggle. It would be irresponsible to leave things as they are. Our future, but even more so the future of our children, is at stake.”
Zero Silence is part of the A Matter of ACT program. Tunisian activist Lilia Weslaty and director Jonny von Wallström will attend the festival.