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Montreal film festival partners with Red Cross. Virtual reality to give viewers every stage of the Syrian refugee experience – from the destruction of home-town, dangerous travel with children, violent hostility, police abuse incited by media and right wing politicians in certain western countries. Viewing to generate funds for Syrian refugees

 In the face of increasing hostility and violence meted out to ever larger numbers of refugees fleeing violent conflict zones (especially Syria), the Montreal International Animation Film Festival (MIAFF) seeks to reach out to the broader society in a meaningful way.

“I think a film festival should not be about irrelevant snobbery, idle gossip, and cocktail parties, but about how we as artists, can contribute to the cause of humanity”, said MIAFF’s founder and CEO, Laurie Gordon. 

Referring to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation’s documentary, The Calais Jungle, City of Dreams and Lost Hopes, Gordon said, “In light of the increasing official violence directed at refugees fleeing war zones to countries such as France,  in the face of fear and hate mongering from certain media syndicates, so-called conservative politicians, and ultimately, neo Nazi groups – even here in Canada, I think it is important for everybody to experience what it means to have to flee absolute devastation, dispossession, destitution, only to face violent hostility and rejection in Europe.” Gordon continued, “I think as Canadians who have extended a warm welcome people fleeing such tragedies, we should be proud, while also providing the public – particularly those falling prey to fear-inducing diatribes - with the opportunity to FEEL the refugee experience. The best way we can, is through virtual reality.”

Gordon continued, “I was delighted at British virtual reality specialist Neil Bell’s production of Migrant’s Journey, and even more so, at Mr. Bell’s willingness to contribute this most important virtual reality piece to the Montreal International Animation Film Festival” She added, I think that the crisis is of such big proportions, the refugees’ plight so tragic, that I am very happy to b teaming up with the International Committee of the Red Cross’ Montreal branch, as well as certain Syrian outreach community organizations in order to both, showcase what a refugee family experiences, AND to fundraise in order to help people in such distress.”

In addition to Migrant’s Journey, the MIAFF’s partnership with the ICRC extends to the showcasing of the film, Junod, about [Swiss] Dr. Marcel Junod’s heroic provision of medical relief to Hiroshima in the wake of that cit’s destruction by nuclear bombing.

Junod receiving Animation that matters award in cannes

Migrant Journey’s premier, and associated fundraiser is set for August 19^th, but the installation whereby anyone wanting to experience it, will be able to do so until 6 p.m. on Sunday, August 20^th.