On 21 November, PLURAL+ Partners awards was celebrated at the Paley Center for Media In New York. Young award-winning media makers will screen and discuss their videos focusing on migration, diversity, social inclusion and the prevention of xenophobia.
“The positive messages reflected in the PLURAL+ videos today are even more relevant and urgent than they were in 2008 when we started the festival,” said H.E. Mr. Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser, the High Representative for the UNAOC. “These youthful and creative voices addressing migration and prevention of xenophobia are energizing forces of empathy. They are powerful narratives that counterbalance the polarizing stories and cultural stereotypes that are often found in the media,” he added.
Selected out of more than 370 video entries from 72 countries worldwide, the three PLURAL+ 2018 International Jury Awards winners and Special Award for the Prevention of Xenophobia are:
- BE THERE (India) by Mohd Ayaan, Gaurika, Anshika, Aadhya, Nitya, Divit and students of CHIHN program at the Tagore International School (age group up to 12 years).
- FUTURE NEWS (Spain) by Leo Humphreys, Ignacio Nieto, Lola Parrilla, Claudia Mate, Kique Parrilla and group of students of Taller Telekids (age group 13-17 years).
- FALSE HOPE (Philippines) by Al-jhun Romel Virgo, Ella Mae Gonzales, Francis Atendido, Angelikka Eden García, Princess Jazmine García and Angela Given Formanes (age group 18-25 years).
- I AM NOT DANGEROUS (Afghanistan/Greece) produced and directed by Fridoon Joinda, an Afghani refugee living in Greece.
“Congratulations to the winners of PLURAL+2018! For ten years, PLURAL+ has been helping young people express themselves on the universal reality of migration in entertaining and constructive ways,” said IOM Director General António Vitorino. “This year we are very proud to see more inclusive independent young voices telling inspiring stories that will spark conversations and help stimulate change,” he added.
PLURAL+ is a Youth Video Festival on migration and social inclusion. For ten years, it has been able to provide a platform for young people to express diversity, social inclusion and prevention of xenophobia as seen through their camera lens. These videos often challenge negative narratives and false perceptions on migrants and refugees.
PLURAL+ 2018 winning videos are from: Australia, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Brazil, Czech Republic, Egypt, Greece, Guinea Bissau, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Lebanon, Mexico, Philippines, Portugal, Spain, UK, USA, Zimbabwe.
The event also included presentations by the United For Peace Film Festival (Japan) and DIRECTV FACIUNI Festival.