Humanity Rising, a 60-minute documentary film, focuses in-depth on the humanitarian stories behind the current refugee crisis, which is often lacking from related news headlines, detached statistics and procedural politics.
Set to premiere in London the film details a journey to the heart of what makes us human, touchingly explored through the personal stories of those deeply caught up in the emergency.
Humanity Rising is a film by Humanity’s Heart, an initiative set up by broadcast journalist and filmmaker Tazeen Dhunna Ahmad to raise money for charities working on the front lines. It follows Ahmad’s journey through refugee camps in Calais, Lebanon and Greece, as well as relational spaces where refugees meet locals in the UK.
The film highlights the narratives of individuals fleeing wars and oppression (refugees), volunteers, aid agencies, ordinary members of the public, government officials, academics and spiritual leaders who offer us holistic reflection on humanity’s response to the largest crisis since WWII. It also profiles the outstanding initiatives working hard on the ground, reaching out to humanity, providing inspiration over what can be done to remedy the situation.
“Humanity’s Heart involved 11 months of intense trauma, disbelief and inspiration.” Said Tazeen Dhunna Ahmad “Through this project I’ve come to realise that in tandem with the extreme challenges faced by those fleeing wars and tyranny, the refugee crisis is also giving birth to extraordinary examples of humanity with thousands turning up to help refugees irrespective of media, religious and political biases. They are choosing to believe in the power of humanity above all else.”
This relevant and timely documentary will premiere on Tuesday 23rd May at 7pm at The Courthouse Hotel, Soho, London. At the screening the film’s Director and Producer Tazeen Dhunna Ahmad will be joined by Syrians Rahaf Al Ghalyoun, Dr Karim Hussein and Dina Ariss who will detail their personal stories and journeys in the crisis of our time. The event will also feature panel discussions with prominent volunteer and faith organisations exploring the rise in global activism.
Interfaith panel on spiritual activism include:
Mahmoud Mostafa Threshold Society, Jo Winsloe Slater St Ethelburga’s Centre for Reconciliation and Peace and Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg New North London Synagogue
We will also hear from Sara Conway Unity on how a grass-roots local initiative came together comprising predominantly of Jewish and Muslim women to support a range of refugee charities and initiatives.
Volunteer activists panel include:
Anna Jones Refuaid, Iman Mortagy & Maria Wilby Refugee Action Colchester, and Josie Norton Help Refugees
www.humanitysheart.com
Humanity Rising in the Refugee Crisis: A film by Humanity’s Heart from Humanity’s Heart on Vimeo.
The adventurous spirit behind the pages of British Muslim magazine. As the Editor-in-Chief, Natasha leads with a passion for exploration and a pen dipped in wanderlust. With a keen eye for halal travel experiences and an insatiable curiosity for new experiences, she brings readers along on captivating journeys to far-flung destinations. Through her vibrant storytelling, Natasha invites readers on enriching adventures, where every experience is a window into the muslim world.
