REFUGEES ARE HUMAN (LESVOS, GREECE) 

Directed, filmed, and edited by David Clancy
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Yousif Al Shewaili // Narrator and Protagonist in the Film // Refugee Photojournalist from Iraq
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Team Humanity, Lesvos
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A few months ago I was refused entry from a tiny island nation in the middle of the Indian Ocean. Long story short, I didn’t have the right visa to enter the country and was placed on the next flight back to Europe. Please bear in mind, I’m not writing this to seek attention or empathy. I just want to share how this situation inspired me to launch myself into one of the most fulfilling projects I’ve ever done.
After arriving back in Europe with no plan or idea what I would do for the foreseeable future. I began reflecting on how lucky I was in the grand scheme of things. I had escaped from this heavy situation without any serious harm (no financial loss or criminal records) It wasn’t hard to realize this was largely because of where I was from and the color of my skin. However this is NOT the case for millions of refugees around the world whose fundamental human rights are threatened as targets of deportation.
After a coffee in Vienna with an old friend who spent much of his life working in UN camps around the world, I felt inspired to spontaneously book a one way ticket to Lesvos for the following morning.
My experience with immigration ultimately inspired me to try and document the ongoing refugee crisis on the island of Lesvos where tens of thousands of refugees are being denied their fundamental human rights. Under the new European migration policy, the forcible return of asylum seekers and unlawful migrants has increased to an unprecedented level. I spent three weeks on the island listening to the stories of people who had escaped war and persecution only to find themselves isolated and without means. These people had traveled thousands upon thousands of kilometers to a new world but not the one they were hoping for.
The film I made was completely improvised with zero budget. Upon arrival in Lesvos, I met a photojournalist refugee from Iraq named Yousif Al Shewaili. We immediately got along and he agreed to be the protagonist/narrator for the film.
I spent nearly three weeks filming interviews with refugees from many different countries such as Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Iran, and the DRC. I conducted many of these interviews inside makeshift tents where the refugees were living temporarily. These people poured out their vulnerability in front of my camera and it was tough to watch yet alone film.
The main objective of this film is to make the crisis more transparent for people who have no idea how to visualize what is happening and how they can help. I don't necessarily want to offer a solution but rather offer a raw and human approach so people can relate more easily. Spreading awareness is the first step to solving the problem.
So I need ALL OF YOUR HELP in sharing this film as much as you can. Please share this link with people in your network. I hope this is a fresh reminder to all of us to be grateful for the privileges we have.
For film festival enquiries, licensing and opportunities contact me here:
dclancy94@gmail.com
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