Refugees Star in FilmAid Rock Video 'A Heavy Abacus' for World Refugee Day

Refugees Star in FilmAid Rock Video 'A Heavy Abacus' for World Refugee Day

NEW YORK, June 7, 2012/PRNewswire/ --

FilmAid unveils its first music video, an inspirational project based on the hit
single 'A Heavy Abacus' by indie rock band The Joy Formidable and directed by
award-winning filmmakers Paola Mendoza and Topaz Adizes.



(Photo:
http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120607/537542 )




Paola and Topaz spent a month volunteering as Visiting Teaching Artists for FilmAid in
Kakuma Refugee Camp in Northern Kenya. While there, they were inspired to shoot a video
inside the camp starring young Sudanese refugees. Filming was a collaboration with the
community over just three days, using one camera, two light reflectors, and an iPhone.



The Joy Formidable are quoted as saying:



"It is an honor to be involved in this deeply touching video created by Paola Mendoza
and Topaz Adizes. We hope it encourages support for FilmAid's work with displaced
communities and helps build awareness of the global refugee crisis."



In support of World Refugee Day on June 20th, FilmAid invites you to view 'A Heavy
Abacus' here: http://www.FilmAid.org/joy



Notes to Editors:



Inspiration for the video



Directors of the video Paola Mendoza & Topaz Adizes say:



"While working in the Kakuma Refugee camp we were inspired by the strength of the
people we met. So often refugees are forgotten because the problem seems too overwhelming.
Our intention was to have two worlds crashing together with the hopes that in the mash-up
both worlds' beauty would shine through in their purest form. This is an attempt to shake
us out of our complacency and recognize the power that is in every one of us to help make
the world better."



Liz Manne, Executive Director of FilmAid, says:



"At a time when the Sudanese refugee emergency is rapidly growing into a shocking
humanitarian crisis, and, tragically, largely ignored by the world, Paola and Topaz have
created a gorgeous, moving video that's a vivid and dignified portrait of refugees. On the
occasion of World Refugee Day, these talented filmmakers have proved the unique power of
film to bridge worlds and tell important stories."



About World Refugee Day and the Sudanese Refugee Crisis



According to the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), there are 43.7 million
refugees and displaced people worldwide. World Refugee Day is observed on June 20 each
year. For more info: http://www.worldrefugeeday.us



About FilmAid



FilmAid is a nonprofit organization that uses the power of film and media to bring
life-saving information, psychological relief and much-needed hope to refugees and other
communities in need around the globe. For more information: http://www.FilmAid.org



In support of World Refugee Day, FilmAid invites you to view a 'A Heavy Abacus' here:
http://www.FilmAid.org/joy



Further information



To download high resolution photography:



https://dl.dropbox.com/u/209768/Kakuma-Girl-Sitting.jpeg



https://dl.dropbox.com/u/209768/Kakuma-Singers.jpeg



FilmAid website: http://www.FilmAid.org



FilmAid International donation page: http://www.FilmAid.org/WRD




Press Contact: Paul Handley
Email: filmaid@orbitalmedianetwork.com
Phone: +44(0)203-411-9111




Photo:
http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120607/537542

Source: FilmAid




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