John Dau during the panel discussion at FilmAid’s first annual gala benefit
The Power of Film: A Lifeline of Hope
On October 16, FilmAid held our inaugural Power of Film Gala in New York City. It was an evening of inspiration and celebration honoring Ambassador Richard Holbrooke and award-winning producer Jane Rosenthal, in whose names scholarships to study communications will be given to two deserving refugees. FilmAid’s founder Caroline Baron and Executive Director Elizabeth Silkes hosted the event that included a special performance by Elvis Costello. A highlight of the evening was the screening of scenes from the award-winning film, “God Grew Tired of Us,” which documents the transition to America of three lost boys of Sudan.” One of those featured in the film, John Dau, inspired the sold out audience.
John Dau’s story is one of triumph over seemingly insurmountable obstacles and hope in the face of unspeakable cruelty. In 1987, he and more than 25,000 other boys trekked across the desert fleeing brutal attacks of the Sudanese army to the safety of the Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya. Along the way, John and the other survivors buried the many who perished from starvation, dehydration and disease. In 2001, John was among the select few who were given the chance to start new lives in America. In his new country, he has shown the same steely resolve and selfless concern that made him a leader among his fellow refugees in Kenya whom he has not forgotten. John Dau currently works two jobs and attends Syracuse University. He regularly sends money and assistance to those still in the camp and has formed a foundation to help build a health clinic in Sudan.
Through his own experience John Dau understands the hopelessness that comes from living year after year in a refugee camp. He also believes in the power of film to make a difference. In John’s words, “When you are a refugee, you feel as if you are all alone. FilmAid is a lifeline to a world beyond the camp and a reason to hope that a better future is possible.” Your support of FilmAid is a lifeline of hope and a connection to a better world for hundreds of thousands uprooted in Africa and elsewhere.
Refugee Voices
“When you are a refugee, you feel as if you are all alone. FilmAid is a lifeline to a world beyond the camp and a reason to hope that a better future is possible.”
-John Dau