UNHCR PH opens 1st refugee film fest to mark World Refugee Day

MANILA, 21 June 2023--The Philippine Country Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) inaugurated last night the First Refugee Film Festival at the University of the Philippines Film Institute Film Center in celebration of World Refugee Day 2023. 

Dubbed Hope Away From Home: A world where refugees are always included, the three-night film festival will feature six films that take place in the Philippines and around the world, which shine a light on the remarkable stories of refugees, asylum seekers, internally displaced persons, and those who are stateless and at risk of statelessness. The movie Quezon's Game was screened during opening night.

UN Resident Coordinator in the Philippines Gustavo Gonzalez addressed the audience, saying, "This film festival is a great way of raising awareness, building empathy, and mobilizing action for and on behalf of the 110 million forcibly displaced persons worldwide. I am sure that many of us are aware that the stories on refugee crises are all over the media and social media. But the real challenge is in getting more people to really care and relate to these stories, and to remember why it is important for everyone to join in supporting the efforts to uphold the rights of the forcibly displaced."

The full text of Gonzalez's message (as prepared) follows:

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good evening to all the distinguished guests of this event organized by UNHCR Philippines, the University of the Philippines Asian Center, and the Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population and Development. I must say that it is exciting to see all of you face to face, especially coming from what we have experienced during the pandemic where most of our interactions were online.

Before I go any further, allow me to thank Iya, UNHCR Philippines’ Head of National Office, and the rest of the UNHCR team, for inviting me to be part of the activities commemorating World Refugee Day this year. I remember that last year, UNHCR took us on a gastronomical journey through a food festival which featured cuisines from countries where past or present refugee crises are taking place.

This year, I was told that they are taking us on yet another journey, this time with a feast meant for our eyes, ears, and minds. For three nights, the University of the Philippines Film Institute Film Center will be screening – free of charge – six compelling films that take place in the Philippines and around the world, which shine a light on the remarkable stories of refugees, asylum seekers, internally displaced persons, and those who are stateless and at risk of statelessness.

I applaud you all for being here this evening as this film festival is a great way of raising awareness, building empathy, and mobilizing action for and on behalf of the 110 million forcibly displaced persons worldwide. I am sure that many of us are aware that the stories on refugee crises are all over the media and social media. But the real challenge is in getting more people to really care and relate to these stories, and to remember why it is important for everyone to join in supporting the efforts to uphold the rights of the forcibly displaced.

All over the world, emergencies are driving more and more people away from their homes in search of safety amidst war, violence, and persecution. The United Nations commends the Philippines for continuing its legacy of upholding the rights of people forced to flee. As State Party to the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol, the country pledged to respect the right of forcibly displaced persons to seek asylum, regardless of nationality, race, ethnicity, religion, gender, and age. And I am happy to note that the Philippine government continues to honor its international commitments to provide them with protection.

After you watch the first film tonight, Quezon’s Game, I hope that you will go home with a renewed sense of patriotism and pride for the Philippines’ long tradition of opening its doors to refugees and asylum seekers. The film is also a testament to the world-renowned hospitality of Filipinos, which I have personally experienced in my years of serving as Resident Coordinator here.

My friends,

Seeing you all here tonight shows your level of concern and support for the plight of the forcibly displaced. And I cannot emphasize enough how we need more of that in a world where everything has become so fast paced that often, people tend to forget about pressing issues once it has passed their social media feeds.

This film festival is a great opportunity for raising awareness as it gives us glimpses of what it is like to be in their shoes. But I must also emphasize that we need to take the discourse outside of our respective echo chambers and get more people to support the call for the protection of the rights of the forcibly displaced to apply for jobs, enroll in schools, and access services like decent housing and health care.

By engaging more people within your communities to become aware of the issues that are driving displacement all over the world, we stand a better chance at providing people forced to flee with a future filled with hope while they are away from home.

And with that said, it is my great honor and privilege to open before all of you here tonight the First Refugee Film Festival in the Philippines.

Thank you all for listening and I sincerely hope that you enjoy Quezon’s Game tonight. [Ends]