The SXSW Conference is a prime example of how industry members, artists, and filmmakers from all parts of the earth can introduce their own lives and experiences to others living halfway across the globe.
Every year, more and more people from around the world come to Austin in March to attend the film festival, and they bring with them new ideas and awareness of international issues, social problems, and injustices.
One such participant of the SXSW film festival was Rahilla Zafar. An SXGobal short directed by Orlando von Einsiedel and presented by Zafar was screened in Austin during SXSW. The short, titled Skateistan: To Live and Skate Kabul, documents the use of skateboards by children and young adults of Kabul, Afghanistan, in order to provide them a better education in the tense and war-torn city they live in.
Skateistan is the first skateboarding school in Afghanistan that allows both boys and girls to learn skateboarding and helps develop the skills and social interactions necessary to improve their situation.
The program was founded in 2007 to provide Afghan children and teens a space that encourages civil society, trust, opportunities for education, and tolerance. Additionally, because the sport is relatively new to the region, girls have more freedom to participate in Skateistan without as many restrictions.
Another international issue presented at SXSW is the scarcity of fresh water for people in communities all around the world. According to The Thirst Project, the global water crisis is the #1 global killer of children, and this program is helping to bring safe, clean water to people all around the world.
Founded by Seth Maxwell, while in college at only 19 years of age, The Thirst Project travels the country seeking donations and volunteers for the construction of freshwater wells in communities with need.
In just two years, The Thirst Project has raised over $300,000 to fund projects that provide clean water to over 34,000 people. The Thirst Project aims to provide sanitary water to 1 Million people by the year 2015.
For students interested in volunteering and donating their time to social causes such as these, Skateistan accepts volunteers, donations, and the purchase of official merchandise off their website. The Thirst Project offers school tours to middle schools, high schools, and college and universities all across the country. They also seek volunteers for marketing and fundraising efforts. To take part in bringing fresh water to children who need it the most, visit their website.