Dakar – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is calling for submissions for feature and short length films of all genres about migration in the region, to be screened at IOM’s 2021 West and Central Africa Global Migration Film Festival (GMFF).

From Tuesday, 15 June through Sunday 22 August, the Regional Office in Dakar is casting a wide net to bring forth the talents of both established and emerging filmmakers in the region.

To be considered, submissions should address the challenges and opportunities around migration as well as the many and unique contributions migrants make to their new and home communities.

The annual global event showcases films and documentaries that capture the promise and challenges of migration. It paves the way for greater discussion around one of the greatest phenomena of our time. Using the medium of film, IOM and its partners are reaching a global audience, and effectively fostering constructive debates and engaging conversations on migration-related issues.

“There are many talented filmmakers talking about relevant issues in West and Central Africa through their films and depicting a region on the move. The Global Migration Film Festival is a great opportunity to bring the voices of the communities these filmmakers carry in their pieces to a wider audience, creating debate and awareness on pressing trends on migration-related topics,” explained Christopher Gascon, IOM Regional Director for West and Central Africa. A committee of international film and media professionals will select films for the Official Selection for this year’s Festival. This will include both full length features (41 minutes or more) and short films (between 15 – 40 mins) of all genres that address the theme of the Festival.

Filmmakers from the region are encouraged to submit their films through the Festival’s designated platform, FilmFreeway here. Only films submitted through FilmFreeway will be considered.

Since 2020, the IOM Regional Office in Dakar has been leading the West and Central Africa Edition of the Festival where a selection of films are shown at screenings organized across the region.

Post-screening debates and panels are encouraged, and GMFF organizers in each participating country may organize their side events, prize giveaways and more. Click here to access the official Global Migration Film Festival (GMFF) portal.
 

For more information, please contact Amanda Nero anero@iom.int or Aissatou Sy aisy@iom.int at IOM RO Dakar.