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A Voice for the Voiceless Meet Ammar Basha, IIE-Artist Protection Fund Fellow and Yemeni Filmmaker

You may have recently seen a new face on campus. Ammar Basha, a Yemeni filmmaker, will be in residence at Wake Forest University for one year after receiving a prestigious IIE-Artist Protection Fund (APF) Fellowship and being hosted by the Interdisciplinary Arts Center and the Documentary Film Program. Let's get to know our APF artist-in-residence, Ammar Basha.

Ammar Basha earned his MFA in Cinematic Arts at the Red Sea Institute in Aqaba-Jordan. He is committed to the issue of human rights in Yemen, producing fiercely political films in addition to finding moments of lyrical beauty.

What will you be working on during your year at Wake Forest?

I am thrilled that after many years of making documentary films about human rights violations, Arab revolution, and war crimes, I’ve finally found a chance to continue my dream of making fiction films, to tell stories from Yemen or my own imagination. I am very thankful to the Artist Protection Fund who gave me this chance and for Wake Forest University who accepted my fellowship and became the host institute.

Currently I am writing a screenplay for a film based on a powerful novel written by a Yemeni author who gave me full rights to the story. I am wearing producer, director and scriptwriter hats at the moment, but I can't wait to partner with a creative team to see this film come together. I am excited to be part of the Documentary Film program and the Interdisciplinary Arts Initiatives here at Wake Forest. I hope to be able to share my own experience while at the same time learning from professors and students.

What were you working on in Yemen?

I completed my MFA in Cinematic Arts from the Red Sea Institute of Cinematic Arts in 2012 Aqaba-Jordan, which was founded by Steven Spielberg and King Abdullah of Jordan. I then went back home with a dream to start a cinema industry in Yemen. It was impossible to follow that dream due to the Arab uprising. This was all the more challenging considering the fact that I lived in a place without a single standard-sized movie theater.

I found myself compelled into making documentary films as I felt there was an urgent need for an independent voice at those crucial moments during the Arab uprising, becoming a voice for the voiceless, you might say.

What moved you to use film as a form of expression?

I wanted to take part in making our world a better place, and film is a powerful tool to help make that happen. I aim to paint the future and share new ideas to a new generation, to spread the words of love, acceptance and peace. Our planet is in dire need for such ideas.

What have you noticed so far about Wake Forest now that you're here on campus?

After living in a war zone for over 10 years, I was very happy when I first laid my eyes on Wake Forest’s campus. I’ve explored most of the campus buildings and walking trails, and found many places where I can clear my mind and breathe fresh air. I appreciate that I am able to connect with nature.

I am overwhelmed by the warm welcomes and the support I have been receiving during my transition to Wake Forest. In my journey to the US, I’ve found many good friends and some whom I now call family. Nothing I could say could convey the immense help, care and welcome they have shown me.

Welcome to Wake Forest, Ammar! We can't wait to see what you create with us.

Artist Protection Fund: An initiative of Institute of International Education, the Artist Protection Fund (IIE-APF) fills a critical unmet need by protecting threatened artists and placing them at welcoming host institutions in safe countries where they can continue their work and plan for their futures. IIE-APF places these artists in safe havens for a full year and provides fellowship funding, mentoring, and inclusion in a comprehensive network of artistic and social support.

Created By
Steve Morrison
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