IF I COULD ASK_
A REFUGEE A QUESTION_
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Caption on Instagram
If you could ask a refugee a question, what would you ask? Using myself as a platform between the people of Manchester and the refugees interviewed throughout this project, a dialogue between both parties was opened.
I asked 4 Mancunian students what they would ask a refugee; to help them better understand their situation and feed their curiosity. In response they asked 8 important questions. Hazem, Ahmed and Aiman answered their questions and revealed personal yet real information with all of us. In return, they too had some questions they wanted answering from us here in Manchester; which in some instances, took the students by suprise. This video explores the issues faced from being displaced but also allows us to reflect on our own lives and circumstances when faced with questions ourselves. For the full video, please follow the link in my bio .
The idea of facilitating a connecting between refugees and western locals was inspired by Dulwich Picture gallery, who arranged for young westerners to send postcards to youth refugees in camps. They asked questions and in return were able to view works of art from the young refugees. This work hoped to enlighten young westerners about the situations refugees face.
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After looking at how art and messages can be used to deepen the connection and understanding between people, I wanted to take this idea forward and bring it home to Manchester.
After producing the video, I also wanted to share what I had created with Hazem, Aiman and Ahmed - To gain their feedback and gauge their reactions.
All three offered valuable feedback and responses to the video, including wanting to share it themselves using their own social media accounts. Increasing the potential this project has by sharing the work with an even wider audience.
The work seemed to resonate positively with all the refugees - See the transcripts below for more detail.
Questions asked by people in Manchester
1. What’s your favourite movie/song?
2. What new foods did you try and enjoy?
3. Was there a moment you knew you had to leave your country?
4. What do you miss about your home country?
5. What did you pack before you left home and what did you leave behind?
6. Do you feel like we are doing enough?
7. Are you okay?
Questions asked by Hazem, Aiman and Ahmed
1. What’s your favourite movie/song?
2. What do you really think about refugees?
3. Do you think you could learn anything from a refugee?
4. What do you think about refugees coming to your country?
5. Would you help a refugee?
6. Will the world listen to our problems, our message and our voices?
7. Do you know what suffering is?
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COMMENTS
Dulwich Picture House
Hazem and Ahmed Reactions