Big Mouths, Open Minds, Hands On
The Campaign
Funded by The Ford Foundation, this multimedia project explored democracy in Namibia a decade after its independence in 1990. The project included producing a documentary, a supplementary discussion guide, and a music album of local musicians. The media package was distributed nationwide through a network of schools and community-based organizations, and the documentary was screened throughout Namibia, from remote rural regions to the Offices of the President, Prime Minister, and Parliamentarians.
The Media Package
The documentary Big Mouths Open Minds is told from the perspectives of everyday Namibians, who reflect on the state of their democracy a decade after their country’s independence. The documentary explores issues related to civic engagement, economic struggles, ethnic tensions, and the impact of HIV/AIDs. The education booklet Hands On is a discussion guide for community facilitators to diver deeper into issues raised in the documentary with an emphasis on encouraging dialogue and exploring ways to take responsible action for greater civic engagement and participation.
The Credits
DOCUMENTARY → Producer, Director, and Writer Kelly Kowalski • Camerapersons Andy Botelle and Eran Tahor • Editors Kelly Kowalski and Greg Shaw • MUSIC ALBUM → Producers Kelly Kowalski and Elemotho Mosimane • DISCUSSION GUIDE → Research and Writing Kelly Kowalski and Danie Botha ▪︎ Graphic Design Michel Dei-Cont
Sample pages from the HANDS ON discussion guide.
