On the evening of April 23rd 2024, SIE Film Center in Denver played host to an impactful event: the official UN Refugee Film Screening. Organized by the United Nations Association, this evening was a celebration of powerful storytelling and human rights awareness in order to honor the 75th declaration of human rights.

Shadow Game: A Glimpse into Teenage Refugees’ Lives

The centerpiece of the event was the premiere of “Shadow Game”, a prize-winning documentary that delves into the lives of teenage refugees. These resilient young individuals seek safety in Europe, far away from their war-torn homelands. Their journey is fraught with danger, as they risk their lives to escape conflict and persecution. The film sheds light on their struggles, resilience, and the human spirit that drives them forward.

Panel Discussion: Engaging with Refugee Issues

Following the film screening, the audience was treated to a thought-provoking panel discussion. Amy Bryant, UNA-USA National Council Representative, skillfully moderated the conversation which featured expert panelists from the refugee community including the IRC in Denver's Executive Director Tanya Vitusagavulu and Senior Manager of Programs (acting) Homayoon Milad, and Project Worthmore's Executive Director Frank Anello and Operations Director Simret Kahsai.

A highlight from the lively discussion was definitely the clarification of challenges and hurdles refugees and asylum seekers encounter when seeking safety. After establishing working definitions for the different population (immigrant, asylum seeker, refugee), the panelists delved deeper into the topic, answering questions about their client's integration into new societies, mental and physical health concerns, and the importance of community support. Homayoon Milad passionately called the Denver community to action, and highlighted the importance of volunteers, interns, and co-sponsorship group members for non-profits such as the IRC in Denver and Project Worthmore.  

"Refugees arrive in Denver with much more than just the packs on their backs,"

stated Homayoon Milad, himself a refugee from Afghanistan who arrived in Denver after the fall of Kabul,

"they arrive with hopes and dreams and a drive to create a better future for their children and themselves. Refugees arrive in the US as assets, never as liabilities!"

A Night of Impactful Storytelling

As the United Nations and the International Film Festival for Human Rights (FIFDH) collaborated to bring this film tour to Denver, they reinforced the importance of human rights advocacy. Thus, the audience left the theatre not just having watched a documentary, but with a renewed sense of the importance of fostering empathy, understanding, and solidarity. 

The IRC in Denver thanks the UNA-USA National Council and especially Amy Bryant, as well as SIE Film Center and Project Worthmore for this meaningful collaboration and is convinced that the conversation and impact of “Shadow Game” will resonate long after the credits roll. Let’s stand together in support of refugees and asylum seekers as we all honor the 75th declaration of human rights. 

Written by: Hanna Simmons