The International Organization for Migration in Portugal held the 7th edition of the Global Migration Film Festival last Friday, 6 January 2023, at the emblematic Manoel de Oliveira Hall in São Jorge Cinema in Lisbon. This edition included the screening of the film "FLEE", one of the most acclaimed movies of 2021 by the Danish director, Jonas Poher Rasmussen.

During the opening of the Festival, Vasco Malta, IOM Portugal’s Chief of Mission underlined: "Cinema, like many other forms of expression and art, is sometimes a subtle way, to move us, bring us closer to reality, ask us to reflect and think together on more complex issues... It's easier to alienate ourselves from numbers and news than from a film about a person's story." The film manages to do just that, given the way the story of Ami is told, by his long-time friend Jonas Poher Rasmussen.

This 7th edition was attended by 616 people and IOM had the pleasure to count on its fantastic partners, whom the IOM thanks once again for all their support in promoting this event.

The film "FLEE", nominated for the Oscars of Best Documentary, Best Animated Film and Best International Film, tells the true story of Amin and his journey as a refugee child from Afghanistan to Denmark. By telling the story through animation, the characters’ image is not exploited and the main character remains anonymous.  

The Festival began with a short message from António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, on the need for a New Year filled with Peace. A message followed by some words of welcome to all participants from Vasco Malta and from the Maria Nilaus Tarp, the Danish Ambassador in Portugal,.

Just before the screening of the film, we had the privilege of watching a video recorded by Jonas Poher Rasmussen, the movie’s director, in which he told the reason why he decided to tell the story of Amin, the explanation behind the message he would like people to take with them after the movie, as well as the importance of “FLEE” being told through animation.

The 7th edition of the Festival was only possible due to its partners: Cinema São Jorge, one of the best located cinemas in the city, stands out for the welcoming and reception of the people; UNRIC - the United Nations Regional Information Centre - which financed this edition of the Festival and supported its promotion; the Municipality of Lisbon and the ACM (High Commission for Migration) for their availability and readiness to support once again this initiative which celebrates the contribution of so many migrants not only in the Portuguese society but also in the world.

IOM thanks all those who made this 7th edition of the Global Migration Film Festival possible and looks forward with enthusiasm to the future 8th edition!