TEDGlobal speaker Jarreth Merz launches a democracy-building campaign in Africa
As a director, Jarreth Merz’s work is rooted in observing life as it presents itself in all its complexities—as shown in his latest documentary, An African Election, which follows the 2008 presidential elections in Ghana, West Africa. As you may remember, Merz was a speaker at our own Pat Mitchell’s curated line-up at last year’s TEDGlobal conference.
An African Election captured political electioneering in Africa in a way no cameras had ever been able to do. It documented events that almost brought down the political stability of Ghana. But, it also showed how the citizens were able to steer their country through this political storm. This film has inspired audiences all around the world with a powerful example of democracy. In an age where we have seen too many failures, this project exemplifies an African success story.
He departs for Ghana next month, as part of a campaign he’s calling “A Political Safari,” to screen his award winning film as part of a project to inspire communities with a positive vision of African democracy. You can contribute to the effort here. He is rigging up a truck with a screen, projector and generator—a movie theater on wheels—to go places where people don’t have access to cinema, and bring this transformative film and voter outreach program to people—especially youth and women—who want and must be part of the political process.
Learn how to get involved here.
