Biography

FilmAid International is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) humanitarian aid organization that uses the power of film and video to address the needs of displaced people around the world. FilmAid currently operates in two refugee camps in Kenya (Kakuma and Dadaab camps), where it assists people fleeing war, violent conflict or natural disaster in countries including Sudan, Somalia, Ethiopia, Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.


FilmAid has implemented a variety of programs to address the critical needs of the communities it serves. Its signature “Outdoor Evening Screenings” take place several nights per week and have reached up to 30,000 people in one evening. FilmAid’s “Daytime Screenings” are followed by group discussions enabling a deeper discussion about topics of concern. The “Participatory Video Program” for young people and “Community-Based Video Program” teach individuals filmmaking skills that help them create their own videos that are then shown to thousands at FilmAid screenings throughout the camps. Topics addressed in these videos include conflict resolution and peace building, health education (e.g., HIV/AIDS, cholera, malaria prevention), landmine awareness, prevention of sexual abuse and gender-based violence among women and girls, repatriation information and more.


All of FilmAid’s programs are based on the principles of refugee participation and empowerment. Refugee Advisory Boards review films and select those that are shown in all screenings. FilmAid’s programs aim to engage the minds and imaginations of those who have suffered the effects of war and poverty. Our programs have been proven to educate, improve refugee health and self-esteem, break the monotony and isolation of refugee life and reduce stigma, tension and conflict.