The Refugee Voices in Film screening was located at the Doc Corner in the Palais, at 10 am, May 21st. A series of blocks of videos were presented, each with different themes and voices. Part One was focused on the stories of refugees and their traumatic experiences, showing the pain and suffering they have to go through while they try to live their lives.
Part two showed the making of a music video, called "Dangerous Crossings", which was sung with multiple singers from Africa, and how they used five different languages in the one song to bring a message to the public. The message was how dangerous it is to be a refugee and about the loss of lives. So many people are afraid of where they are, so they leave home and travel to unknown dangers, sometimes even more dangerous than the place they are fleeing from. The use of different languages and a group of artists shows how wide-spread these feelings and fears are.
Part three of the screening focused on people who take in refugees, and how they form such a strong bond that they become family. The word 'mother' was said multiple times when describing the women who take care of refugee families, but the most inspiring part was the obvious love between two very different groups of people.
This screening touched the hearts of all the audience members, and will stay with us long after today.
-Elaine DeHart