(R) Abdulla Jassim Al Mosallam, DFI Chief Administrative Officer and Deputy Director of the Ajyal Film Festival. Ahmed Mohsen, UNHCR Deputy Representative for Gulf Cooperation Council Countries. Pics: Salim Matramkot/The Peninsula
Doha, Qatar: In commemoration of World Refugee Day on June 20, the Doha Film Institute (DFI), in partnership with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) presented a remarkable series of short films that exalt the indomitable spirit of refugees.
These films serve as a reminder that each statistical figure conceals a distinctive narrative—a tale of an individual yearning for safety, tranquility, and a brighter future.
The event held on Tuesday at MIA Auditorium featured three DFI-supported films including Hope by Mohammad Shaikhow, Just Another Memory by Mariam Al Dhubhani, and Rest in Piece by Antonie Antabi.
In conjunction with the film screenings, an accompanying exhibition entitled MADE51 was also held at MIA, displaying an array of handmade items crafted by refugees. Among the collection were dolls, scarves, bags, and baskets, each representing the creativity and resilience of their creators. UNHCR’s MADE51 delivers stunning refugee-made items to the international market. This programme connects refugees with social enterprise partners to develop, create, and distribute handcrafted items throughout the world.
In a speech, Ahmed Mohsen, UNHCR Deputy Representative for Gulf Cooperation Council Countries underscored the need to stand in solidarity with refugees worldwide.
He acknowledged that forced displacement has reached a distressing milestone, with over 110 million people having to leave everything behind in search of refuge. Mohsen stressed the importance of providing refugees with access to essential services such as education, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities.
Meanwhile, Abdulla Jassim Al Mosallam, DFI Chief Administrative Officer and Deputy Director of the Ajyal Film Festival, emphasised the profound impact of World Refugee Day in fostering comprehension of the immense struggles faced by refugees.
Al Mosallam asserted that the DFI considers the refugee cause an integral facet of its mission, expressing pride in partnering with the UNHCR for this significant occasion.
Moreover, he highlighted the privilege of screening films supported by the institute, which illuminate the stories and journeys of refugees. By sharing these narratives, the films aimed to inspire audiences and convey the resilience and courage of refugees as they rebuild their lives and strive for a better future, he explained.
World Refugee Day, observed annually on June 20th, serves as a global platform designated by the United Nations to honour refugees worldwide.
This year’s theme, “Hope away from Home: A world where refugees are always included,” centres on the transformative power of inclusion and the pursuit of sustainable solutions for refugees.
