From Stories to Solutions at the 4th Refugee Film Festival
From Stories to Solutions at the 4th Refugee Film Festival
The 4th Refugee Film Festival at DLSU Manila brought together storytellers and advocates to highlight the human realities of displacement and show how stories can move people from empathy to action.
The 4th Refugee Film Festival and Short Film Competition was held on 20 June 2026 as a powerful reminder that stories can turn empathy into solutions. Organized by UNHCR Philippines in partnership with the Department of Justice–Refugees and Stateless Persons Protection Unit and De La Salle University, and Uniqlo Philippines, the festival brought together filmmakers, students, refugees, and advocates to highlight the human realities behind forced displacement. The Film Festival, held in commemoration of World Refugee Day and anchored on the theme “Solutions in Motion: Rebuilding Futures Together,” called on audiences to recognize their shared responsibility in upholding the rights and dignity of refugees.
This year’s World Refugee Day marks the 75th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention and comes at a time when nearly 118 million people worldwide are forcibly displaced. Behind these numbers are real lives: families separated, children growing up far from home, and communities working to rebuild in search of safety, dignity, and hope.
Through a diverse lineup of films and documentaries, the 4th Refugee Film Festival moved beyond statistics, offering intimate portrayals of resilience and hope. Films such as “Another Place” by Jhizet Panosian traced the journey of rebuilding life in a new country, while Arjay Arellano’s “The Circle of Our Daughters” highlighted the strength and solidarity of women in refugee camps. “Rosemary’s Way” by Ros Horin revealed the quiet struggles of loneliness and invisibility, tempered by the healing power of compassion. Together, these narratives reinforced a central message: refugees are not defined solely by displacement, but by their aspirations and their capacity to contribute meaningfully to society.
The 4th Refugee Film Festival brought together diverse voices to share powerful stories that promote inclusion and peace while highlighting the human realities and resilience behind forced displacement.
UNHCR National Goodwill Ambassador shares a joyful selfie with the audience, capturing a moment of unity and hope at the Refugee Film Festival.
Nor Aishah, a young refugee scholar, shares her journey during the talkback session, offering a powerful voice of resilience, hope, and the transformative impact of education and inclusion.
UNHCR reiterates its commitment to protecting refugees and raising awareness through the film festival, using powerful storytelling to foster empathy and advance understanding and solidarity with displaced communities.
The films screened sparked engaging discussions on refugee experiences, highlighting stories of resilience and shared humanity that turn isolation into connection while fostering empathy, inclusion, and lasting peace.
UNHCR Philippines National Ambassador of Goodwill Atom Araullo reminded everyone that every story, voice, and act of inclusion helps build a more compassionate and just world.
Bravely sharing his story and lending a voice to hope, resilience, and empowerment in a short film is Zaid, a young refugee scholar who is one of the first graduates of the Complementary Pathways Programme.
Stakeholders and partners from De La Salle University gather in shared appreciation of the screenings and short film competition, engaging with stories that spark reflection and meaningful dialogue.
The 4th Refugee Film Festival Short Film Competition Third Best Film was awarded to “Langit Lupa” by Alun-Alon Films.
The 4th Refugee Film Festival Short Film Competition Second Best Film was awarded to “First” by Dokyumentaryo ni Apo.
The Best Festival Short Film of the 4th Refugee Film Festival Short Film Competition is “Tambol” by TR3S Production.
UNHCR recognized select humanitarian champions whose long-standing generosity and commitment have helped provide protection, assistance, and hope to displaced families in the Philippines and around the world.
The esteemed panel of judges for the Short Film Competition includes De La Salle University Lecturer and News Anchor & Correspondent Gerg Cahiles, Department of Justice – Refugees and Stateless Persons Protection Unit State Counsel Rosalie Robles-Cumla, Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino (Gawad Urian) and Associate Professor at the University of the Philippines Los Baños Dr. Laurence Marvin Castillo, UNHCR Philippines National Goodwill Ambassador and Award-winning Broadcast Journalist Atom Araullo, and UNHCR Philippines Head of National Office Maria Ermina Valdeavilla-Gallardo.
A defining feature of the Film Festival is the Short Film Competition, which underscores the prominent role of young filmmakers whose short film entries captured stories of struggle, courage, and renewal, bringing fresh perspectives and challenging stereotypes. The five standout short film finalists, Daíng (Woes), FIRST, Langit Lupa, Name:________, and Tambol, turned real experiences into powerful calls for empathy.
For its hauntingly poetic exploration of human displacement and the quest for belonging, and for its masterful fusion of sensory experimentation and rawness that amplifies marginalized voices with extraordinary power and authenticity, the Best Festival Short Film was awarded to "Tambol" by TR3S Production. For its moving testament to hope, its eloquent celebration of second chances and new beginnings, and for a future once denied, yet ultimately reclaimed, the Second Best Film Award was presented to "First" by Dokyumentaryo ni Apo. Meanwhile, for giving a human face to communities slowly being consumed by a changing climate, while resolutely affirming that resilience is measured not merely by endurance, but by the tireless defense of dignity and dreams amid challenges, the Third Best Film was awarded to "Langit Lupa" by Alun-Alon Films.
Speaking as one of the judges of the Competition, UNHCR Philippines National Goodwill Ambassador Atom Araullo recognized the young filmmakers for their short film entries, which “reflect not only creativity but deep empathy and awareness”. By choosing to tell these stories, they are “helping reshape narratives, showing that refugees are not defined by displacement, but by resilience, strength, and potential.”
Beyond the screen, the Film Festival underscored that refugee protection is a shared responsibility, with the Academe playing a vital role. During the post-screening talkback sessions, refugee scholars Nor Aishah and Jisma, who are studying in the Philippines through the Complementary Pathways Programme, joined representatives from De La Salle University and local filmmakers as reactors. The scholars reflected on their own journeys of finding belonging far from home and the transformative impact of collective support for those seeking refuge and safety.
Highlighting the role of the private sector and individuals in advancing solutions, UNHCR also recognized select humanitarian champions whose long-standing generosity and commitment have helped provide protection, assistance, and hope to displaced families in the Philippines and around the world.
UNHCR reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that refugees are not only protected but also empowered to rebuild their lives, through access to education, livelihoods, and opportunities to dream again. UNHCR Head of National Office Maria Ermina Valdeavilla-Gallardo emphasized that “Until everyone is safe, we will continue to stand with refugees. Until everyone is safe, we will continue to tell their stories. And until everyone is safe, we will continue to work together.”
The Refugee Film Festival reflects this spirit by going beyond film screenings to highlight our shared humanity and collective responsibility toward those forced to flee.
