By Staff Writer
Engulfed by scars of local conflicts in the past, a powerful film showcasing peaceful coexistence, reconciliation, and healing is transforming mindsets and sparking hope in Mangateen IDPs camp, Luri Payam of Central Equatoria State.
The film, screened by Active Citizen South Sudan (ACSS) in collaboration with the Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA), reached over 2,000 locals, immersing them in stories of non-violent problem-solving from around the world.
The screenings were designed to teach youth from conflict-affected backgrounds alternative methods for handling disputes.
Through series of sessions, youth, host community and other societal members gained new perspectives on handling local disputes, as well as a renewed commitment to adopt peaceful approaches in their own lives.
Speaking in an interview in October 30 this year, Angelina Stephen Ban, the project coordinator for the youth-led organization, revealed that the sessions were vital in addressing the trauma and conflict history of the past.
“The reason we chose peacebuilding films was that most of our target audience come from conflict-affected backgrounds,” she explained.
“So, we wanted them to adopt non-violent approaches to solve the problems they face in daily life, especially within the community overwhelmed by the history of tribal and social tensions,’’ Ban added.
In her words, shunning violence was essential now to build peaceful societies.
The screenings were conducted in four different locations; including Mangateen, Hai referendum, Eden and Newsite respectively as the participants had the opportunity peacebuilding films and how people were able to solve different problems using non-violent actions.
Throughout the event, participants engaged deeply with the film content, seeing it as a mirror to their own lives and challenges.
The stories on screen did not only offer perspectives on overcoming adversity but also provided practical methods for handling conflicts without resorting to violence.
Discussions following the screenings allowed community members to share their own experiences and reflect on how similar non-violent methods could be applied in the local setting.
For many young people who attended the showcasing, the flicks served as eye-openers for the locals.
Keah Mayen, a local youth representative in the area, affirmed that the sessions were rich in conflict resolution content, and this inspired many youth.
“Seeing how other young people in different countries tackled their issues peacefully moved us,” he narrated.
“We agreed to adopt these new approaches, even when dealing with issues within our own families. It is a shift that can bring lasting change to our community,” Mayen added.
In addition to inspiring individual reflection, the screenings helped foster a broader sense of community unity.
The event provided a space where people from diverse backgrounds could gather, share, and learn from one another. The films, which featured stories of reconciliation and unity, highlighted the importance of finding common ground for all regardless of any affiliation.
This theme resonated strongly with participants, especially those from conflict-affected backgrounds, who expressed a new hope for a future in which peace and harmony could replace discord and hostility.
With the overall objective to equip locals with peaceful coexistence experience, the showcasing organized serves as a powerful testament to the role of storytelling in healing and reconciliation.
By providing a platform for communities to reflect on their experiences and learn from diverse backgrounds, these initiatives are paving the way for a more peaceful and stable South Sudan.
As the country navigates the challenges of rebuilding, the lessons learned from these films will undoubtedly resonate in the hearts and minds of those striving for a brighter, thus more harmonious future.