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: [email protected]
Phone: +44(0)203-411-9111

SOURCE FilmAid