We aim to create counter narratives through filmmaking to combat extremism
Belgian Films
The films from Belgium bring personal stories to the forefront of the people working against extremism
through their own experiences such as Saliha Ben Ali that lost her son to radicalisation and Mohamed
El Bachiri that lost his wife at the terrorist attack in Brussels 2016. The films from Belgium also speak of
the academic and religious experiences of the people on the field. Professor Jean-Yves Camus has chosen
to make the work against extremism a profession and an Imam from Brussels view the work as a
responsibility of a religious leader.
The films also highlight stories of those who have been subjected to
hate crime online like Mouhad Reghif, who is a part of the Brussel Panthers. The films also shed light on
hate crime and the victim such as Aimé Schrauwen who is part of the organisation “Brussel against racism”.
He was physically targeted when he stood up against right-wing extremism. The last Belgian film is the
voice of the youth in Brussels, speaking of how they wish European politicians create politics that unite
and not divide us. All the films speak of the resilience of human beings using democratic means to work
for a better society.
Jihad for love
The story focuses on the tragic loss of Muhammed´s wife Loubna who tragically passed away due to the terrorist attack in Brussels on the 22nd March 2016. The film highlights how Muhammed finds a way to move on by cherishing her memory.
My name is Saliha
This is the story of the brave mother who became an activist against radicalization after she lost her son to ISIS in Syria.
The film highlights the triggers that turned her son into leaving for Syria without telling his family but also how Saliha uses her voice to create positive change.
We want politics that unite us!
4 youths from different ethnic backgrounds are walking through Brussels and are describing who a hero is for them and what they see as their future career. They also give us insights such as how they wish the future should look like and why they believe extremist views attract young people.
Take the high road
The co-founder of Brussels against racism, named Aimé, speaks of his passion for changing minds and using democratic tools after being subjected to hate crime himself, to change society for the better.
Anti-racism needs to become political!
Mouhad, one of the founders of Brussels Panthers, talks about his work against racism and the stereotypes of black people in Belgium and in Holland.
Take the right path in life
The Imam explains his views on what we can do to work against extremism by mentoring youth both by using religion and other tools. The Imam works in prisons and also with rehabilitation of former prisoners to ensure that they take the right path in life.
Do you want to be a chess piece?
Prof Jean-Yves Camus explains the reasons into why he today is a researcher of right-wing extremism and why he has chosen this career. He explains that the world that many right-wing extremists see as a utopia would be a dictatorship where people would only play a role as chess pieces.
