From July 14-21, this year, refugees at the Dadaab, Kakuma, and Nairobi camps in Kenya enjoyed a new film each night as part of the annual FilmAid Festival, run by FilmForward and FilmAid. The film festival provided entertainment to refugees, as well as a portal for reflection and hope. In addition, educational films were showcased during the day about pressing issues in the camps, such as healthcare, agricultural production, gender-based violence, and drug abuse.
The impact of FilmAid’s programs are difficult to quantify and measure. They affect individuals psychologically and emotionally, but not directly economically or in terms of educational achievement or literacy. Arguably, however, the entertainment and education provided by FilmAid gives people hope, helping them to continue struggling for survival at the refugee camps.

During the day, FilmAid runs its MADS (Mass Audience Daytime Screening) educational films. When possible, the films are produced in part by local people in the camps. Here is an example of a short film produced in Haiti last year to educate refugees on the importance of planting crops and how to water them sufficiently.

 

Additionally, FilmAid worked with local refugees in the three camps to produce short films, which are then shown at the film festival. The films display a level of self-awareness and touch on present social issues in the camps themselves. These films are the epitome of local content produced for a local need.
Last week, FilmAid received a $50,000 grant from the Hollywood Press Association, in part due to their efforts in the Horn of Africa. Grants such as this keep the organization funded and functioning.