The International Organization for Migration Port of Spain Office (IOM PoS) hosted the Global Migration Film Festival (GMFF) on December 3, in recognition of International Migrants Day, which is celebrated both annually and globally on December 18.
The GMFF is hosted by IOM offices in various countries from November 28-December 18, when it ends on International Migrants Day. The United Nations General Assembly, taking into account the large and increasing number of migrants in the world, proclaimed December 18 International Migrants Day, a media release said.
"The day is an opportunity to promote an informed and balanced conversation on migration and to share the stories, experiences, aspirations of migrants in their communities. This celebration also reminds us of our interdependence, our common humanity, and the unique contributions we collectively make to our shared communities," the release said.
[caption id="attachment_991798" align="alignnone" width="637"] Ambassador of Japan to TT Yutaka Matsubara poses with a moko jumbie at the International Organization for Migration Global Migration Film Festival at Estate 101, Maraval. -[/caption]
The film festival was held at Estate 101, Maraval, and also focused on cultural integration as one way in which migrants can benefit society – in this case – specifically Venezuelan migrants and the interesting similarities and idiosyncrasies of Trinidad and Tobagonian and Venezuelan cultures.
The IOM's Port of Spain head of office, Jewel Ali, brought opening remarks.
[caption id="attachment_991800" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Journalist Grevic Alvarado, second from right, speaks during the panel discussion at the International Organization for Migration Global Migration Film Festival held Saturday at Estate 101, Maraval. Also pictured are fellow panellists fashion designer Anya Ayoung Chee, left, Counter Trafficking Unit director (acting) Kimoy Thomas-Williams, second from left, as well as moderator Dr Michal Pawinski, lecturer at the University of the West Indies’ Institute of International Relations. -[/caption]
She said: “It is believed that by seeing this film together in Trinidad and Tobago, we can all continue to positively influence how migrants are seen, support diversity, advance deeper and wider policy integration, as well as combat racism, xenophobia, and other elements of intolerance.”
Also bringing remarks on the evening was US Embassy political officer John Miller.
[caption id="attachment_991801" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Musician Geremias Marcano plays the oboe with his band El Grupo Venezolano during the cultural performance segment of the International Organization for Migration Global Migration Film Festival at Estate 101, Maraval. -[/caption]
He said: “Inclusion means to belong to a social and legal environment where people are welcomed, accepted, and connected to one another. This is why we’re here tonight. Community members come together in friendly, caring and authe
