Alison MacLean - Tomboy Digital Productions
778-896-0294
Alison MacLean has a passion for Afghanistan returning there four times in the last 20 years. She uses Tomboy Digital Productions, here digital video company, to develop and market productions highlighting the plight of women and orphans there. Her most recent trip ended four weeks ago.
Alison spoke to Probus Vancouver West November 13th both about her experiences in Afghanistan and how she plans to use her video productions to bring more western attention to societal issues there.
The design and development of special body armour combined with support from NATO has allowed Alison more freedom to walk among the people in a variety of communities. Using local guides, translators and “fixers”, she hasshot video of orphanages, women’s centers and both western and Afghani military establishments. She has actively supported, through donations of both finances and equipment, women being part of the police force.
The short video “Kandahar”, was shown. It highlights the Canadian forces (particularly women) and their activities to support both the combat soldiers and the local communities by building water systems and schools. A new video “Burkas to Bullets” will be released in 2015. The documentary focusses on the after-effects of the war and is centered on Afghani women who are being trained to serve in the National Security Force. She had the support of NATO forces to make the video.
Alison raises money through video sales and speaking fees to support both orphanages and an organization that supports child brides fleeing forced marriages. Neither group receives any supportive financing from the central government. The money is used to buy computers which are used to train those living in the shelters.
Part of the presentation, and during question period, Alison expressed her views about how the western world is reacting to the upsurge of ISIL, or ISIS. She sees it sot so much as a religious as an economic war. She believes that it is really about drugs and oil and sees these two groups as the primary financial support for the jihadists. She thinks the West needs to get tougher in its response to these organizations reacting more quickly and more forcefully with strike forces rather than active boots on the ground fighting.
The question period focussed women, Alison’s fund raising activities and matching western approaches to the reality of life in Afghanistan.
In the 20 years Alison has been involved she has seen great reason for hope for improvement in the life of the Afghani people through the long-term support of NATO and its allies.
As recorded by Gladys Johnsen