Growing from strength to strength over the years, the annual event serves as an inclusive platform that showcases the talents of artists and artisans from these communities across Malaysia.
It also functions as an advocacy tool, allowing these communities to campaign for their rights while expressing their hopes, joys and grievances.
From tomorrow, The Refugee Festival kicks off its eighth outing under the helm of co-directors Mohamed Abdi and Abeera Abdullah. Both are Somali refugees living in Malaysia.
“We need to have continuous conversations about why we fled our homes, the challenges we face, and why we came to Malaysia looking to make a new home here,” Mohamed Abdi told FMT Lifestyle. “It’s crucial given the hate on social media, especially against the Rohingya.”
He added that this year’s event will feature more representation from the refugee community than before, with much of its itinerary centered around individuals with lived experiences.
Visitors to the three-day festival will get to experience poetry readings, dance and music performances, exhibitions and much more. Highlights include the screening of the film “The Forgotten Babies” by the Fourth Academy, and cultural dances from Yemeni, Somali, South Sudanese, Palestinian and Burmese performers.
Local refugee theatre company Parastoo will present a musical theatre performance, “Flying Without Wings”; while Rohingya artists from Penang, too, will showcase their talents in a musical performance.
Also look out for a compelling theatre play that turns a spotlight on untold stories from the war in Sudan.
Furthermore, there will be panel discussions on topics such as refugee integration and mental health challenges among these populations.
Thanks to the support of philanthropic organisation Porticus, this year will also see 12 “festivals on wheels”, where refugee artists and local supporters will perform and interact with different communities in Chinese New Villages, Indian settlements, PPR flats, and other areas.
Starting in July and ending next June, “this is an effort to connect people on the ground, especially given the escalation of digital hate against refugees and migrant workers”, festival founder Mahi Ramakrishnan noted.
Mohamed Abdi hopes Malaysians will attend the festival and show solidarity with the refugee cause. “These events allow people to appreciate unity in diversity through the different cultures that we, as refugees, bring to Malaysia, and have fun while learning about others.
“They help break stereotypes about refugees and show them for who they really are: human beings with talents and abilities, just like anyone else,” he concluded.
The Refugee Festival 2024
When:
Tomorrow until Sunday (June 21-23)
Where:
Kuala Lumpur Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall,
1, Jalan Maharajalela,
Kampung Attap,
50150 Kuala Lumpur
For more information, follow The Refugee Festival on Facebook.