Please support "The Brain that Sings" crowdfunding on Aflamnah

About this IDEA

A feature documentary told from the perspective of six year old Khalifa and eighteen year old Mohammed. The Brain that Sings follows the journey of these two young boys with autism in the United Arab Emirates, and the introduction and effect of music therapy on their lives. Our aim is to combat the stigma associated with special needs within Emirati Culture in the U.A.E. This is a cultural phenomenon that needs to be addressed in many Arab societies. It is imperative that we create positive narratives about children with special needs.

Why is this idea important?

There are many reasons:

To improve and give hope to the lives of six year old Khalifa, eighteen year old Mohammed and their families.

To platform Autistic families in the United Arab Emirates and the Arab world.

To help create positive stories about families with speical needs and to help promote a more inclusive culture.

To help combat the stigma and taboo nature of families with special needs.

To help promote discussion of the economical and social problems families with autism face in the U.A.E

Our Documentary goes hand in hand with an Autism Awareness Campaign, please support us because:

Our campaign is targeted towards giving talks, lectures and the film screenings to Arab families in order to target the stigma We are taking our campaign and screenings to local companies, educational institutions, hospitals and centers with special needs We will educate other families with an alternative option for helping autistic children.

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WITH YOUR HELP WE BELIEVE WE WILL BE ABLE TO NOT ONLY HELP THESE FAMILIES BUT USE THEIR STORIES AS A PLATFORM TO PROMOTE DISCUSSION AND CHANGE TO A LARGER SOCIETAL PROBLEM.

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More about this idea

Mohammed is an 18 year old who is growing bigger and stronger everyday. He frequently has outbursts of violence against his family, especially his sisters. His family are looking for alternative therapies to help calm him and to make their lives more comfortable. With little support, he has been refused continuation at his previous school, due to his violence and lack of patience. This year, he has been sitting at home and regressing.

Khalifa lost his father unexpectedly, just before the filming of this clip. His mother is also looking for support and hopes music therapy can calm him so that he may focus more on his learning and behavioural problems. Most of all, both these families need help in spreading the word about autism in the UAE so that they may be helped and help other families in return. They have been brave in sharing their stories and opening their lives to the filmmakers; please contribute and support their cause.

What is the funding for?

The money raised on Aflamnah is for the production of the film including the film crew, equipment, transport and logistical costs. The money we raise will also pay for the three months of intensive music therapy courses by our qualified instructor.

About The Brain that Sings Documentary Film

The Brain that Sings is a feature documentary film co-directed by Amal Al Agroobi, director of Half Emirati, and Hana Makki, director of The Journey. The film follows the experience of two Autistic boys in the UAE, 18 year old Mohammed and 6 year old Khalifa and their progression through music therapy over three months. This film serves as a tool to raise awareness for autism in the UAE and to combat the stigma associated with families who have children with special needs in the Arab world.

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The Brain that Sings Documentary Film
United Arab Emirates

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I am happy with a thank you that will mention my name on the Aflamnah website and that the wording will be as follows: "Special thanks to all our supporters who made this idea possible through their contributions via Aflamnah.com."
I am happy with a thank you but would like to remain anonymous on the Aflamnah website and that the wording will be as follows: "Special thanks to all our supporters who made this idea possible through their contributions via Aflamnah.com."

PLEDGE $10
11 BACKERS. 0 rewards are available.
Thank you for your contribution! You get a ‘special thanks’ on the film’s Facebook page
PLEDGE $50
19 BACKERS. 181 rewards are available.
Congratulations! You get a mention on Amal Al-Agroobi, the co-director’s blog and the film's Facebook page.
PLEDGE $300
7 BACKERS. 193 rewards are available.
Your contribution is appreciated! You get a ‘Special Thanks’ credit at the end of the film and get invited to the wrap party of the film.
PLEDGE $1,000
7 BACKERS. 23 rewards are available.
Thank you for your large contribution! You get a ‘supported by’ credit on the credits of the film and an on-set experience with the directors. You also get invited to the wrap party of the film.
PLEDGE $5,000
1 BACKERS. 4 rewards are available.
You deserve to be an ‘Associated Producer’ for your contribution. You will be credited as such in the film and will be mentioned on the international movie database (IMDB); you also get a dinner at an Authentic Emirati restaurant when/if visiting the UAE and a copy of the DVD. You also get invited to the wrap party of the film.
PLEDGE $10,000
No backers yet. 3 rewards are available.
Your contribution will go a long way in producing this film. You are now an ‘Executive Producer’ and will get this film credit, which will appear on IMDB.com You will have your logo/name printed on all collateral of the film. You will also receive a DVD copy and all of the above. You also get invited to the wrap party of the film.