UN Refugee Agency and YouTube Creators Break Down Negative Refugee Stereotypes

Lief, Uncommon studios teams up with JAM VFX to launch three documentaries to mark World Refugee Day. The campaign challenges the stereotypes and perceptions put onto refugees.

Eye opening documentaries, directed by different directors, break down stereotypes and perceptions of refugees by connecting them with YouTube creators who have a shared passion. The films from Curtis Essel, Laura Checkoway and Mahmoud Al Massad tell their own human focussed, emotional stories.

Each film was shot in a different location around the world from Uganda to Germany, from Wales to Jordan. There was an incredibly quick turn around and each film was different to the next which meant the workflow for each film altered slightly, which meant JAM VFX had to be able to adapt very quickly. The hard deadline of 20th June (World Refugee Day) meant the team had to work around the clock to deliver a multitude of films for different platforms.

Inspiration for the campaign came from the contributors themselves. Their stories and shared passions sparked incredible insight and told stories with empathy, humour and heart. Seeing inspirational refugees and YouTube creators connect through music, permaculture and toy making helps to open a path towards lasting empathy, and ultimately solidarity that incites action.