US embassy cable - 05KUWAIT4993

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. 
 
********************************************* 
Visit Kuwait's Classified Website: 
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/kuwait/ 
 
You can also access the site through the 
State Department's Classified SIPRNET website 
********************************************* 
LEBARON