IOM’s GMFF Participatory Video Project

As part of the Moving Worlds programme we have selected two shorts that have been co-created with individuals with lived experience of forced displacement. The  two shorts powerfully engage with the theme of 'healing' through inviting fresh perspectives about overcoming personal obstacles and differences to come together as a community. 

The films are part of the Participatory Video Project collection produced by Global Migration Film Festival's (GMFF) with the support of International Organisation for Migration (IOM). The IOM's GMFF Participatory Video Project is an initiative to amplify voices, empower and foster social cohesion in migrants’ affected communities.  

Transforming Negative into Positive (2017, 14mins)

This Participatory Video debuted at the Juba Global Migration Film Festival in November 2017. It was entirely directed, filmed and performed by youth at the protection of civilians (PoC) site in Malakal this October. The skits emphasize community and social support, forgiveness and perseverance. The video was possible thanks to the support of CCCM Malakal PoC, NORCAP and IOM Development Fund. Copyright: IOM/GMFF2017

Together United Not Fragmented (2017, 13mins)

This film was made by youth from Jordan, Syria, Iraq, Eritrea and Somalia during a Participatory Video workshop organized by the Global Migration Film Festival and IOM Jordan that happened in Amman in October 2017.  It brings three real stories filmed in completely different styles. Each of the 13 participants have different motivations and backgrounds, nevertheless, during the collective process of creating this video, they have discovered how united they are. The video was possible thanks to the support of Caritas Jordan, NORCAP and IOM Development Fund.  Copyright: IOM/GMFF2017

The workshop tour kicked off in Amman, Jordan, in October 2017. In November, it reached Malakal, South Sudan, to work with communities that have fled war and violence and in December last year, the workshop was held for a group of migrants living in Geneva, Switzerland. In 2018, it was held at an indigenous shelter for Venezuelan migrants in the North of Brazil. Afghanistan was its final destination. The initiative is funded by the IOM Development Fund (IDF) and supported by NORCAP.

Credit: Still from 'Transforming Negative into Positive'