To commemorate this year's World Refugee Day which falls on Sunday, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency in Thailand, together with the US and British embassies in Bangkok, Chao Phraya Express Boat and Tha Maharaj Lifestyle Mall have joined hands to make it a memorably significant day.
UNHCR Refugee Day 2021
The highlight of the two days event (June 19-20) will be the "10th Refugee Film Festival" followed by creative workshops for the public.
There will also be on display poster artwork submitted by Thais from across the country to add to the existing experience overlooking the Chao Phraya River.
This year the theme of the movies presented focus on refugee resilience and their individual capabilities and achievements to survive their harsh environment.
Due to Covid restrictions, one movie will be screened per day for the first 20 pre-registered participants. Masks are compulsory while temperatures will be checked prior to entry. There is no admission fee.
The movie selection includes The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind, a British film based on a remarkable true story.
Netflix has given special permission for public screening of this film in the hopes that the audience will be inspired by the life of the main character, a 13-year-old inventor who embarks on a daring plan to build a wind turbine to save and better the lives of his Malawian village from famine.
Written, directed and starring British actor Chiwetel Ejiofor, who made his feature-length directorial debut with this emotionally uplifting film.
Runner, the life journey of a South Sudanese marathon runner who fled from captivity in war-torn Sudan to seek asylum in the US, is also a must watch.
The film chronicles the life of long-distance runner Guor Mading Maker who beats all odds to become a sensation and qualify for the 2012 Olympics after experiencing years of persecution in his home country.
Runner depicts Maker's resilience through the numerous pitfalls he experienced towards his triumphant journey from refugee to a world-renowned athlete.
The public is also invited to join soap making and football painting workshops afterwards, with items produced to be distributed to the refugees in Thailand as part of Covid-19 prevention efforts and to encourage them to play sports for health purposes.
Net proceeds from the event will be donated to UNHCR to support refugee families fleeing war, persecution and conflict around the world.
Reserve your seats at bit.ly/10thRFFregistration.
