Washington, DC — IOM, the UN Migration Agency, will bring the Global Migration Film Festival to Landmark E Street Cinema in Washington, DC on 29 November at 5:30 p.m. The event will feature the global premiere of One Way Ticket, a film that follows the journey of two Congolese refugees, Jean-Pierre and Isaiah.

After fleeing the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Jean-Pierre and Isaiah spent nearly 20 years in a refugee camp in Uganda. At the start of the film, Jean-Pierre, his wife, mother and six children, along with Isaiah, are leaving the camp and travelling to their new homes in the US.

The film explores the difficulties and hopes of resettlement as the refugees navigate shifting family dynamics, new jobs, culture shock and romantic prospects.

“They spent 20 years in a refugee camp, cut off from their roots and robbed of a future, yet they never lost hope and remained dignified,” said Gregoire Gosset, the film’s director. “They generously agreed to share their daily life with our camera and thanks to them, this film is perhaps an opportunity to see our world with fresh eyes.”

One Way Ticket is the latest release of Echo Studio, a film studio dedicated to the production and distribution of films that address social and environmental issues. This particular film invites viewers to reflect on the lives of refugees and how conflict is a significant driver of forced migration.

IOM first launched the Global Migration Film Festival in 2016 to use the power of film to spark conversation around migration topics. This year, the annual festival is scheduled to take place in more than 80 countries. 

Last year, IOM Washington screened the film, Bonjour Ji, which examined the misperceptions of migrants. Following the film, a panel discussed the art of storytelling and its role as an instrument for raising awareness on migration issues.

“Film can help shape and change our vision on issues, such as migration and social cohesion,” said Luca Dall’Oglio, IOM Chief of Mission in Washington. “We look forward to building on the success of previous festivals to inspire further debate and reflection around this critical topic.”

Admission to the festival is free, but guests must register at http://usaforiom.org/film. The screening will be followed by a discussion with the director and families featured in the film.

Lyft, a ride-sharing service, has also partnered with the Global Migration Film Festival to offer discounted rides to the event in Washington.

For more information, please contact Liz Lizama at IOM Washington, Tel: +1 202 716 8820, Email: elizama@iom.int.