Budding filmmakers, aspiring musicians, dedicated architects and creative fine artists are taking part in the 11th edition of an annual cultural festival.
The young Bahrainis showcased various initiatives at the Ta’a Al Shabab cultural festival, where, for the first time since its launch 11 years ago, all the activities are taking place in one place.
Held under the theme ‘Intensification, Diversification and Definition’, the festival is being held on the rooftop of the Edamah parking building in the Diplomatic Area.
Festival media committee head Zainab Mardhi said this year the participants have been brought to one place – called the ‘third space’ – to share their experiences, knowledge and display their creations.
“The ‘third space’ is a free space in which we are trying to experience the world during this festival,” she told the GDN.
“It is also a qualitative experience at the regional level, to launch a new concept of public spaces in urban areas that embrace the rapid frantic movement of the world of business and modern life.
“People can spend hours of experimentation, meetings and joy in a place where one of us does not stay for more than several minutes which is the time spent crossing the distance between the car and the exit door.
“Bringing together all these various arts in one place motivates us to continue, which is the ultimate goal of Ta’a Al Shabab which focused on continuity and the youth’s openness to experimentation to create artistic projects that can be implemented outside the festival and even abroad.
“We always aim to take risks and present innovative ideas that could succeed or fail but the joy is in taking the risk and thinking outside the box and enhance the experience every year.
“The space is open daily whether there are events or not and we have a library, a cafe and an open area where the youth can gather to work and brainstorm – the space this year isn’t just about the events but about utilising public space efficiently to share knowledge and experiences.”
The festival, being held under the umbrella of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, is open daily from 10am to 10pm, until March 7.
“Our dream is to have the youth as decision makers, from the youth to the youth and our role as an authority is just supervisory and supportive,” said festival organising committee chairman Dr Elie Flouty.
“We want the youth to take culture as a way of life and not something forced on them as it is up to them to decide their path in all aspects of culture.
“The unique feature of the festival this year is that all the events are held in one place unlike in previous editions where events were spread across Manama and Muharraq.”
The festival includes:
Darayesh: Focuses on various aspects of architecture;
We all Read: Emphasises active reading and pursuit of knowledge;
Tashkeel: Focuses on fine arts as a tool for communication and expression;
Operatic: Highlights different forms of theatrical performances;
Technique: Deals with the effects of modern technology and communication channels;
Hafawa: A tribute to legacies of late intellectual luminaries from the Arab world;
Jadaliyyat: Sheds light on current social and cultural trends;
Dawzana: Hones and develops team-building skills;
Tansees: Revolves around all things media, from traditional to digital; and
Premiere: Focuses on the art of movie making.
There will be various screenings of short films, workshops and discussion circles.
For more information, follow @ta2_alshabab on Instagram.
reem@gdn.com.bh
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