Refugees Collaborate with YouTube Creators for UNHCR Documentary Series

YouTube and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, announce today the release of a new film series that showcases the creativity and courage of refugees from three different regions of the world. The series was created and produced by Uncommon Creative Studio in association with Lief.

The short film series entitled 'We Were Here,' which premieres on YouTube on 20th June, World Refugee Day, seeks to challenge stereotypes and perceptions about refugees by connecting refugees with some of YouTube’s most influential content creators around shared interests such as music, growing food, and building toys.

An original format created and produced by Uncommon Creative Studio, in association with Lief, who bring together a team of award-winning filmmakers who give each episode a unique tone and identity. The team behind the project include renowned director Alma Har’el overseeing the series as executive producer (Honey Boy, Bombay Beach), with Oscar nominated director Laura Checkoway (The Cave of Adullam, Edith + Eddie) on board as both series director and the author of one episode.

The other two episodes are directed by the internationally acclaimed Jordanian director Mahmoud Al Massad (Blessed Benefit), and British-Ghanaian rising star Curtis Essel, while the film scores have been overseen by highly awarded music supervisor Bridget Samuels (Under the Skin, Midsommar. The important job of finding the refugee contributors was undertaken by documentary casting directors and BAFTA nominees Six Minutes.

The displacement crisis crossed a new mark at the end of 2022, with the total number of people forcibly displaced globally exceeding 108.4 million for the first time.

For many, the enormity and complexity of the issues can feel overwhelming: it is easy to lose sight of the individuals affected by displacement and see only the scale of the situation. The 'We Were Here' series aims to give people an opportunity to identify with individuals by connecting with something we all share - creativity. Refugees have hopes and dreams like anyone else and being able to do what matters most to them has the power to impact the world.

Through these unexpected connections, these untold stories aim to inspire a new and engaged audience to see refugees in an entirely new light - sparking powerful solidarity with displaced people everywhere.

The Musicians

[9’25] Dir. Laura Checkoway

In a village just outside Stuttgart, chart-topping DJ & Producer Jax Jones meets displaced Ukrainian - Ethiopian sisters Betty, Siona and Miriam, who form hip-hop trio Fo Sho together. Restarting their lives in Germany, they are overcoming creative and personal struggles whilst discovering the healing power of sisterhood and music. Working on a track in the studio together, we learn both artists share a common language searching for belonging.

Launching June 20th on Jax Jones YouTube channel

The Toymaker

[8’ 20] Dir. Mahmoud al Massad

At Azraq refugee camp, in the middle of the Jordanian desert, YouTube inventor Simone Giertz meets Mohammad Waheed, a grandfather, retired construction worker and Syrian refugee, known as the camp’s toymaker. Together they set out to build a toy helicopter that they hope will fly, along the way overcoming creative and cultural differences to form a deep connection. An uplifting, heart warming and emotionally-charged film about play and creativity, which also gives a rare insight into life in a remote refugee camp.

Launching June 20th on Simone Giertz YouTube channel

The Permaculturist

[10’ 11] Dir. Curtis Essel

Spanning Wales, Uganda and Germany, this episode sees vegan chef, permaculture enthusiast, and YouTuber Gaz Oakley meet permaculture expert Bemeriki Dusabe, a Congolese refugee who has been living in a settlement in Uganda for the last 16 years, where he has set up a foundation teaching others how to grow their food — a testament to the incredible strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. A poignant film about self-sufficiency, growth, community and connection.

Launching June 20th on Gaz Oakley YouTube channel

Charlie Gatsky​, chief production officer at Uncommon said, “The power of these films is the message it shares - one of solidarity - focussing on what unites us rather than sets us apart. These stories are beautifully woven together and brought to life by our incredible partners Lief, Alma Har’el and Laura Checkoway - crafting each moving story with delicate care and consideration. This project was an incredibly important one for Uncommon to produce and share with the world. We can’t wait for you to see them.”

“Refugees leave so much behind to find safety, but they carry with them their creativity, and we have to work harder to give them the opportunity to pursue their passions,” said Dominique Hyde, director of UNHCR’s division for external relations. “UNHCR is delighted to partner with YouTube to spotlight the creative energy of refugees, and we are privileged that these refugee creators have allowed us to share their stories. We extend our thanks to YouTube and the three content creators for helping bring these experiences to their audiences.”

“We are proud to be sharing YouTube’s global platform, and audience reach for World Refugee Day this year”, said Camilla Hill, YouTube marketing director. “The three YouTube creators have six million subscribers combined who will now have the privilege to be inspired by the powerful stories of refugees and to engage with their imagination, resilience and creativity.”

“Filmmaking has the transformative power to rewrite the representation of refugee voices in film and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to bring together an incredible community of filmmakers to illuminate their stories.” said Margo Mars, founder of Lief. “What lies within the narratives is an urgency we must now embrace: to restore and create a brighter future for all.”

The series will be promoted across cinema, outdoor, and social - the series also includes a beautiful hero icon of a dandelion - a symbol of hope, healing, and resilience - reflecting how the stories of “We Were Here” confront othering and engender solidarity by focusing on what unites us rather than sets us apart - our shared passions. This icon is seen across the design to promote the series as well as playfully interrupting the credit scene of each film.