The forum will be held from 6–11 July 2025 in Rabat, Morocco, with the film scheduled to screen on 8 July at the University of Mohammad V.
Selected through a globally competitive review process by an international jury, the film is one of only nine shortlisted entries from around the world.
Its inclusion marks a significant recognition of Sri Lankan sociological research and youth-centered storytelling on an international stage.
Directed, co-scripted and researched by Dr. Indika Niranjala Devi Bulankulame, a Sociologist and Social Anthropologist at the Centre for Poverty Analysis (CEPA), the documentary blends rigorous qualitative research with cinematic narrative techniques.
It employs focus group discussions, thematic analysis, and location-based filming to bring to life the voices and aspirations of youth aged 15–29 from diverse socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds in Rajagiriya, Sapugaskanda, Eluwankulama, and Yatiyantota.
The film was first premiered in Colombo in August 2024 to mark International Youth Day, and has since been recognized as a powerful advocacy and educational tool, addressing critical issues such as education, employment, economic pressure, identity, and the future hopes of Sri Lanka’s younger generation—who account for nearly one-quarter of the national population.
This project was supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and produced under CEPA’s ongoing research work on youth development, radicalization, and social cohesion.
According to Dr. Bulankulame, the film aims to reframe research communication by merging visual storytelling with grounded fieldwork, enabling deeper engagement with policy-makers, academics, and the public.
The ISA Forum’s film festival segment runs from 7–10 July, with each screening followed by a moderated discussion.
The festival emphasizes geographic, gender, and thematic diversity, offering a platform for films that engage with social science research in original and impactful ways.
Photo caption Image of ‘Voices of Hope, Visions of Youth: An Exploratory Study’ cerate by CEPA.