Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina – On the occasion of International Migrants Day (December 18), the International Organization for Migration in Bosnia and Herzegovina hosted “Screening Journeys: The Representation of Migration in Cinema.” Held in Sarajevo, a city renowned for its rich cinematic tradition, the event gathered filmmakers, cultural voices, and migration experts to explore the role of cinema in shaping public narratives and sparking broader debate on the multifaceted realities of migration.

Despite the significant strides made in migration management since 2018, when Bosnia and Herzegovina became a key transit point along the Western Balkans route, public narratives in the country continue to focus on the challenges and risks associated with migration. This narrow perspective often overlooks the potential of safe and regular migration pathways and their potential to foster cultural exchange, drive sustainable development, and create shared prosperity for both migrants and host communities.

Cinema is a powerful cultural medium, uniquely positioned to transform public perceptions of migration. By telling compelling stories that capture the resilience, ambition, and contributions of migrants, films can move beyond stereotypical depictions or crisis-focused portrayals to offer a more nuanced and balanced understanding of the complexities faced/encountered. of migration. This ability to humanize migration holds the potential to foster empathy, challenge prejudices, and inspire meaningful dialogue.

In a special video address, America Ferrera, actress, director, producer, and IOM Global Goodwill Ambassador, reflected on the transformative power of cinema: “Cinema, in transforming perspectives and revealing the true, human stories of migration, holds the power to do so. It brings to light the diverse journeys, hopes, and challenges of migrants, creating space for meaningful dialogue.”

The event paired exclusive film snippets with engaging discussions to examine how cinema can reshape migration narratives. Panelists advocated for more authentic storytelling that captures the full spectrum of migration experiences, emphasizing the importance of narratives that foster empathy and highlight migration’s transformative potential. Such stories can help bridge divides and shift public attitudes, portraying migration as a source of cultural enrichment and shared growth.

“Migration is not about "others"—it is about all of us. It’s a shared, universal experience that shapes societies and individuals alike. This is why migration must be everyone’s topic. Cinema, and art more broadly, offer unique lenses through which to explore migration, shifting perspectives by humanizing the experiences, challenges, and contributions of migrants”, stated Laura Lungarotti, IOM Bosnia and Herzegovina Chief of Mission and Western Balkans Coordinator.

“Screening Journeys” sparked important discourse that aimed to inspire filmmakers and audiences to approach migration with empathy and awareness, to ensure that diverse realities are fully and fairly represented.

This initiative was made possible with the assistance of the European Union, the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, Norway and Italy and the IOM Development Fund.

International Migrants Day serves as a reminder that migration is a natural part of the human experience, one with the potential to enrich societies at every step. When managed with dignity and foresight, migration becomes a driver of sustainable development, benefiting migrants and the communities they join. Through storytelling and dialogue, events like this challenge negative narratives and inspire a more balanced and hopeful perspective on migration.

For media inquiries, please contact:

IOM Bosnia and Herzegovina: iomsjjmission@iom.int