Creating impactful videos for an international audience requires more than just appealing visuals and compelling storytelling. It demands a deep understanding of cultural nuances and sensitivities to effectively engage and resonate with viewers from diverse backgrounds. In this blog post, we explore the enlightening experience of producing a whiteboard animation video for the Forum of Federations' #MENA program, which aims to empower women and foster inclusiveness in governance in Jordan, Morocco, and Tunisia.

Understanding Cultural Norms:

When creating content for an audience outside of Canada, we quickly realized the importance of familiarizing ourselves with the cultural norms prevalent in the target countries. In Jordan, Morocco, and Tunisia, specific customs, traditions, and social expectations shape the fabric of society. By immersing ourselves in these cultural aspects, we were able to craft a video that would effectively speak to the target audience and facilitate a deeper connection.

The Forum of Federations #MENA Program:

The Forum of Federations' #MENA program for women's leadership is an initiative funded by Global Affairs Canada | Affaires mondiales Canada. Its primary objective is to empower women and promote inclusiveness in governance in three countries of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region: Jordan, Morocco, and Tunisia.

Through this program, the Forum of Federations aims to provide women with the necessary tools, resources, and support to actively participate in decision-making processes, contribute to policy development, and shape the future of their respective nations. By advancing gender equality and inclusiveness, the #MENA program seeks to create more representative and effective governance structures in the participating countries.

Learn more about Forum of Federations here: https://forumfed.org/document/womens-leadership-and-multilevel-governance/

Incorporating Cultural Considerations:

To effectively connect with the target audience, we incorporated several cultural considerations in the animated scenes of the video. We carefully avoided any visuals or dialogues that could be misinterpreted, offensive, or contradictory to the local values and traditions. By doing so, we aimed to create a video that felt relatable, respectful, and engaging for viewers in the MENA region.

The Pleasure of Producing the Video:

By utilizing the whiteboard animation style, we aimed to captivate the viewers and effectively communicate the key messages of the program.

Collaborating with the Forum of Federations, we crafted a video that not only conveyed important information but also evoked emotions, fostering a sense of inspiration and motivation among the viewers. Witnessing the impact of our work on empowering women's leadership in the MENA region was a rewarding experience that reaffirmed the power of multimedia communication in driving positive change.

Creating culturally sensitive content is crucial when bridging gaps between different communities and empowering individuals around the world. Through the whiteboard animation video produced for the Forum of Federations' #MENA program, we gained valuable insights into the cultural norms and sensitivities of Jordan, Morocco, and Tunisia.

Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cbS7_-VxfEA