Aflamnah, the first crowdfunding initiative dedicated to creative ventures in the Arab World, has been host to over 70 crowdfunding projects since its launch in July 2012 and raised over $300,000. The most current listed project is We Can Be Heroes, the first photography exhibition to crowdfund using Aflamnah. The platforms most recent crowdfunding successes […]
Aflamnah, the first crowdfunding initiative dedicated to creative ventures in the Arab World, has been host to over 70 crowdfunding projects since its launch in July 2012 and raised over $300,000. The most current listed project is We Can Be Heroes, the first photography exhibition to crowdfund using Aflamnah.
The platforms most recent crowdfunding successes include Bilbaal, a unique online platform that connects pro bono professional services with Palestinian nonprofits globally and the Emirati Cinema Campaign, which aims to shine a spotlight on the growing Emirati film industry.
Bilbaal, the first website to crowdfund on Aflamnah, surpassed its targets, raising USD 31,200 which will support the launch of its website. The Emirati Cinema Campaign used Aflamnah to raise funds to bring an Emirati Cinema road-show to each of the seven emirates. The project exceeded its targets, achieving a total of $8,570 in funding.
Aflamnah Principal Founder, Vida Rizq said, Aflamnah is about opening a new frontier of funding for creative projects, through getting the public actively engaged. These initiatives are testament to the creativity and diversity that exists in our region, whether promoting the UAEs pioneering film community or encouraging practical ways to give back in the form of Bilbaal.
Two female half-Palestinian professionals, Dana Salloum and Rasha Kashkoush, created Bilbaal in an effort to bring about a practical, high-impact tool to support the Palestinian community. Dana and Rasha both work full time and this was their first effort to crowdfund.
There is a need to improve access to and increase awareness of the exceptional work being done by Palestinian nonprofits globally. Bilbaal breaks down geographic boundaries to encourage collaboration and promotes a culture of online civic engagement, said Dana Salloum, co-founder, Bilbaal.
Nawaf Al-Janahi, an Emirati filmmaker, created the Emirati Film Campaign to bring the concept of Emirati Cinema to the wider public eye to raise awareness of the emerging Emirati film landscape; today this project seeks to cement and celebrate the important role of filmmaking in UAE society.
In addition, Aflamnah took on the first live crowdfunding event during Middle East Film and Comic Con with current crowdfunding project, We Can Be Heroes by creative photographer Martin Beck. Martins idea turns the superhero concept on its head and uses real life people to play the roles. Aflamnah encouraged guests to have their MEFCC picture professionally taken by Martin against a backdrop of his powerful images. The event attracted over 150 supporters who all made pledges on the Aflamnah campaign on the spot.
