UNHCR Refugee film festival

UNHCR Representation in Japan and Japan for UNHCR proudly presents the 4th UNHCR Refugee Film Festival in Tokyo. The purpose of this festival is to raise awareness of the plight and triumphs of the world’s over 42 million^* refugees and internally displaced persons. The selection of films from across the globe gives voice to seldom-heard stories of hope, despair and resilience.

Film as a powerful medium gives us the opportunity to share with you the many aspects of the lives and circumstances of the refugees. Come and witness stories of strife, courage and human resolve.

• * The total includes 16 million refugees and asylum seekers and 26 million internally displaced persons within their own countries, according to UNHCR’s annual 2009 “Global Trends” report.

 Archives of UNHCR Refugee Film Fesitval‐Tokyo

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Admission Guidelines

Doors are scheduled to open 30 minutes before each screening (unless a screening or Q&A session is still running). Seats are allocated on a first come, first serve basis and it is not possible to make seat reservations.

• *Global Festa Japan 2009 at Hibiya Park will be an outdoor event and there will be no seat limitations.

Every year, the UNHCR Refugee Film Festival is organized, thanks to generous contributions of various sponsors and individual supporters. Donations in support of the Refugee Film Festival and the work of UNHCR are highly appreciated.

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The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) provides protection and assistance to the world’s refugees. Based in Geneva, Switzerland, the agency was created by the United Nations General Assembly and began work in 1951. People of concern to UNHCR include not only refugees, but also asylum seekers, refugees who have returned home, stateless people and internally displaced persons.

UNHCR has helped well over 50 million people successfully restart their lives, earning two Nobel Peace Prizes in the process-in 1954 and 1981. Today, some 6,600 staff in more than 110 countries help over 34 million people. More than 80 percent of the staff work in field offices, often in remote and dangerous locations. UNHCR’s annual budget is a record US$2 billion in 2009 and that figure is expected to rise as the number of conflicts in the world continues to increase. In addition, more people are expected to be displaced due to climate change in the future.

The UNHCR office in Tokyo, works with the Japanese government, which is the second largest contributor to UNHCR, as well as the non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to support the refugees worldwide and in Japan. In 2010, Japan will accept Myanmarese refugee currently in Thailand under an innovative resettlement pilot program.

 To learn more about UNHCR Representation in Japan
 To learn more about Japan for UNHCR

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UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador Angelina Jolie

Since she was named as a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador in early 2001, Angelina Jolie has visited more than 20 countries around the world to highlight the plight of millions of uprooted people and to advocate for their protection.

 Click here for details on Angelina Jolie

Ben Affleck (Hollywood Actor/Director)

The campaign launched in December 2008 with the release of a series of short films directed by American actor Ben Affleck and filmed by his compatriot, John Toll. The films were shot on location in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to highlight the suffering of hundreds of thousands of displaced civilians. The films exemplify what UNHCR does on a daily basis, not just in the DRC, but anywhere that forcibly uprooted people need protection. The films are set to the Rolling Stones' classic track "Gimme Shelter" - donated by Sir Mick Jagger.

This short movie will be shown before each film screening.

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