Samandal Comics has turned to crowdfunding to keep its doors open following a $20,000 fine from the Lebanese government.
Three editors from the of the non-profit organization that promotes the art of comics were charged by the Lebanese state with inciting sectarian strife, denigrating religion, publishing false news and slander. The charges came as a result of a misinterpretation of two panels in the 7th issue of Samandal entitled "Revenge," which were perceived as offensive to "Christian personalities."
After five years of litigation, the verdict was finally handed down earlier this year, forcing the editors to pay the massive fine. Of course, for a non-profit organization that is managed by a volunteer staff, $20,000 isn't exactly pocket change.
"We are a non-profit organization and do not rely on sales or advertising for our finances. In the past we have had to resort to cultural institutions, art organizations, governmental bodies and such to be able to print an issue or host an event," Omar Khouri, the founder and an editor of Samandal, told StepFeed.
To keep the organization going, the team decided to take a different approach to the major financial blow by turning to crowdfunding.
"The people we want to please the most are our readers and artist. If we go directly to them for our funding, we can more clearly and directly communicate with them," Khouri said.
"It was a great way for us to tell the public about our unfair censorship case and the subsequent fines we had to pay. Even the people who can't donate have shown their support in many other ways, like offering to write articles or sending us artwork or just spreading the word both on and off line."
With more than a month left in the campaign, the team has already raised nearly 30 percent of the $60,000 goal and Khouri is optimistic they will reach the full amount.
"We are hoping for the best," he said. "The best we can do now is try to spread the word as widely as possible."
He also added that those who contribute won't walk away empty-handed.
"We have some really interesting perks, like an original drawing by Joe Sacco from his famous graphic novel Palestine. You can see images of all of them on our Behance page. "
While many would be deterred by the government's censorship and the fine, Khouri stressed that the team loves what it is doing and sees no reason to stop.
"Even though it has been tough in many ways, it has brought us all so much pleasure and pride to be part of it, and it means something very personal to each one of us as well."
However, more than just bringing the team a sense of pride, this crowdfunding campaign and the continuity of Samandal is about making a statement against censorship.
"We want to let the public know about the injustices that are happening in their name. Censorship is a sensitive topic not just in Lebanon but all over the world these days," Khouri said.
"The more people know, the quicker things might change for the better."
To contribute the campaign, visit the crowdfunding page on Indiegogo.