I was born in this part of the world called Africa. It is a continent that has amazing cultural and social history. I was interested in the great civilizations that abound on our continent from a very young age, and I traveled through books to learn of stories and tales about them. I have always been curious about why certain cultures practice rituals that others forbid and, without realizing it, I began to enter the diversity the planet offers us.
The advent of the internet in the 1990s opened the world to new things through interconnection, just like opening a window. This allowed me to step out of the world of books, learn more from others, and create friendships. I interacted with many other people online and traveled to over 10 countries.
This search eventually led my colleagues and me to make a documentary based on the great citizens of Gabon, their civilization, and how the government has forgotten them, providing no basic infrastructure. We were able to film the people who challenge the rulers about their precarious situations. Their eagerness to welcome us and express themselves in front of the camera have become unforgettable moments.
All citizens must be able to participate in discussions and decision- making in order to feel comfortable in one’s own country. Through the filming process, I came to understand that we need citizens who occupy a place in debates, and that fair societies are made up of such citizens. It became my dream to show the world how citizens and civil society should be while working to build a world where everyone can be involved in decision-making.
Right now, humanity has continuously advancing ICT. With ICT, anyone can travel the world while receiving the information and various kinds of assistance they need, regardless of where they live. In other words, everyone can participate as global citizens to create one big society. If we all can become citizens striving for equality, humanity will overcome our differences in thought and culture and work together for a better tomorrow. The blossoming of a diverse culture, where all people can share wisdom with each other, is just around the corner. That is what I believe.