The Need for FilmAid
Civilians have always been victims of war. Today, they are often the targets. The world's refugee and displaced person population are now estimated at more than 33 million. By the thousands, people in Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America are forced to abandon their homes, families and livelihoods. At present refugees remain in camps for an average of 17 years with nothing to do but wait, unable to make a living or lead a normal life in their host countries.
Life in a refugee camp is an excruciating, traumatic and confining existence-- an existence which often stretches on indefinitely without resolution. Although host communities and relief organizations respond quickly to the immediate needs of food, shelter and medical attention, refugees too often go without education, a sense of community, a connection to the outside world and any type of mental stimulation or heart-lifting diversion.
The majority of refugees are women and children who have suffered unimaginable horrors, and have been separated from or lost their families. Many children have been born in the camps and it is the only world they have ever known. A generation is coming into maturity with few experiences that give them the self-esteem, knowledge and tools to become proactive, productive and participatory members of their community.
Intellectual, visual and aural stimulation are needs often overlooked in humanitarian responses where the first priority is naturally given to legal and physical protection, subsistence, and health care. As displaced populations languish in camps, the erosion of cultural norms and community environment further aggravates health and social problems. By packaging taboo subjects within entertainment, tough issues can be destigmatized. FilmAid's programs address critical social issues such as HIV and AIDS, sexual and domestic violence, reproductive health and family planning.
FilmAid's programs achieve both positive immediate change as well as a enduring long-term impact. In the short term, the refugees experience psychological relief from the harsh realities of the camps and obtain constructive knowledge and skills, giving them a greater sense of purpose and focus. In the long term, the films offer refugees a broader view of the world, an opportunity to imagine other futures for themselves and a vision for how they can make a difference in their communities. Effective interventions, which engage refugees in constructive activities, can maximize other core investments made in refugee care, conflict resolution, reconciliation, repatriation and community development.
"FilmAid makes people happy; it makes people come together in peace. It also shows people movies on conflict resolution and people have greatly changed; less conflicts between people in the camp and among the ethnic groups of Sudan."
- Sudanese Refugee, Kakuma
"FilmAid helps people, especially when you are sad and FilmAid shows very entertaining films or a film that educates individuals on an area where he/she has a problem. The person will be healed as he reflects and thinks about it, and have a self consultation to solve a problem by himself."
- Sudanese Refugee, Kakuma
"The idea of FilmAid is divine. if FilmAid had been thought of at the start of the camp, there would be less traumatized and mentally challenged people in Kakuma. People find an avenue to release tension and explore with their brains at the screening."
- Burundian Refugee, Kakuma
