FREEDOM AGENDA: NOW SHOWING AT EMBASSY KUWAIT.

UNCLAS KUWAIT 004993

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE, SIPDIS

FOR NEA/ARPI AND NEA/PI; LONDON FOR TSOU; PARIS FOR ZEYA

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV KPAO SOCI KDEM KWMN KMPI KU
SUBJECT: FREEDOM AGENDA: NOW SHOWING AT EMBASSY KUWAIT.
USING FILM TO PROMOTE DEMOCRATIC AND EDUCATIONAL REFORM


1. (U) Post has taken advantage of its Motion Picture
Licensing Corporation license to screen films addressing
democratic reform issues and MEPI themes for host country
audiences. The response has been overwhelmingly positive
and post has made available purchased DVD versions of the
movies to attendees and those who heard about movie nights.
The relaxed atmosphere encouraged the free flow of ideas,
brought people together, and even weeks after the
screenings, invitees continue to engage emboffs of issues
raised in the films and the parallels to current events in
Kuwaiti.


2. (U) In support of the MPP goal to promote women's
political participation, post has featured, in the
Ambassador's diwaniya tent, two films on women's political
involvement: the drama "The Contender" on the confirmation
hearings of a woman nominated to complete the term of the
vice president, and the documentary "Chisholm `72" on New
York Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm's 1972 campaign to be
the democratic nominee for president. For both films, the
Political Section invited political activists, potential
candidates for office, journalists, and academics. Guests
were inspired by the protagonists' struggles and dedication,
and commented that the events depicted would help to prepare
Kuwaiti women for political life. Attorney Salma Al-Ajimi
commented after the Chisholm film, "This movie encouraged me
to give it [running for office] a try. Even if I don't
manage to win a seat, at least I will have made a start for
others to learn from my mistakes."


3. (SBU) In addition to provoking discussions on the role
of women in politics, the events brought people together.
Although small, Kuwait is a class-conscious and often
stratified society. At post's most recent event, columnist
Muna Al-Fuzai met academic Dr. Samar Al-Roomi. Both knew of
each other as Al-Fuzai had written about Dr. Al-Roomi's
efforts to encourage young women to become more politically
active. The two exchanged cards and are now discussing
working together on a program to target young women. LES
Political Assistant is now also playing matchmaker, fielding
daily calls for contact information for movie night guests.


4. (U) Post also hosted a movie night for 93 students
participating in the ACCESS program in Kuwait. The ACCESS
program conducts in-country English-language training for
non-elite Kuwaiti ninth- and tenth-graders and teaches them
about American culture, society, and values. The ACCESS
students watched the Disney film, "The Rookie," last spring
and were further motivated to continue their language
studies.


5. (U) Pleased with the success of the events above, post
is planning to make movie night a regular event and has
identified films addressing religious freedom, trafficking
in persons, good governance, and labor. We would welcome
Department recommendations for movies that address U.S.
foreign policy goals. We have learned that ideal films are
no longer than 90 minutes and have English subtitles.

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LEBARON