Mixed Media Storytelling with a remit of Advocacy
Stop the Illegal Migration Bill
I created this video as a response to the UK Government's new proposed Illegal Migration Bill. Initially, I myself knew nothing about the Bill and how it impacts those who migrate here, but after learning, I decided I wanted to help bring attention to the issue. Refugee representation and rights is something I care strongly about, both as a creative artist and a person. I wanted to use this opportunity to give refugee activists and organisations a chance to voice their opinion on the issue, and show those the bill affects in a more positive light, something severely lacking within the British Press.
What is a Refugee?
“What is a refugee?” is a visual response to my university dissertation titled ‘Is the British Press’ coverage of Refugees harmful and misinforming public opinion?’. For my visual response to this paper I wanted to reinstate what it means to be a refugee, and since the dissertation analysed the impact of the British Press, I decided to ask its readers, the British Public, what they believe a refugee to be.
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The series was recently named the runner up for the Impact Award in the Falmouth University 2023 Press Awards. Visual Journalist, Amy Romer judged the category and stated: "Emily's idea and execution is really impressive. She shows a lot of intentionality, particularly with partnering with Falmouth and Falmouth and Penryn Welcome Refugee Families non-profit, who received a decent reach from the video. I really believe this positive message led video campaign has the potential to grow and scale nationally, which I'd love to see. She's got a solid concept and the skills to execute it really well."
Falmouth and Penryn Welcome Refugee Families
Since the Crisis started in 2011, Cornwall has become home to 54 Syrian refugees. In Falmouth, the local community came together to welcome them, fundraising for housing and helping them settle. I spoke to Glyn, the social media manager for the 'Falmouth and Penryn Welcome Refugee Families' and Rufus, a board member and co-owner of the Cornish Bank about the success of the charity and their hopes for the future.
A special thanks to Glyn and Rufus for letting me interview them for this project.
You can find the charity's website here: falmouthandpenrynwelcome.org
And follow them on their instagram: instagram.com/falmouthpenrynwelcome/
When Oceans Rise
I interviewed Davina and Shanti about life as climate justice activists and how their faith impacts this. Their podcast "When Oceans Rise", that they co-host with their friend Florence, recently covered the COP26 event in Scotland. They shared with me what they got up to, and what their collaboration with Christian Aid on 'Project Climate Finance', is all about.
A special thanks to Davina and Shanti for letting me interview them for this project.
You can listen to their podcast here: open.spotify.com/show/0HF6hkDGDujuiGxGpYG6eE?si=8bd9a7e56c924a28
And follow them on their instagram:
instagram.com/whenoceansrisepodcast/