Hollywood International Independent Documentary Awards - Restoration: A Refugee's Story
RESTORATION: A REFUGEES’ STORY is conceived as 30-minute documentary exploring the transformed lives of African immigrants who found refuge in Canada through this country’s resettlement program.
Interview with Writer/Producer Patrick Mugosa
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
The predominant theme in this film is hope. Everything about this film - from casting to production - was done intentionally to find the best way to give hope to refugees, around the world, who are struggling with being displaced from their homes, having to live their lives in limbo or finding it hard to settle in their new environment. In addition to that, I made this film as a show of gratitude to the Mennonite private sponsors who have done a lot for refugees by giving them the opportunity to be brought in and catered for in a new country. Personally, I came to this country through Mennonite Private Sponsorship and, in many ways, this film is a proof that this sponsorship has been very beneficial and positive. Last but not the least, this film is a way for me to say THANK YOU to the Canadian Government for opening its doors to refugees; and saving and changing many lives by doing so. A few years ago, we were hopeless but now we have the opportunity to live out our dreams.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
Knowledge is power: the more you know, the more you can do. Several people have a shallow definition of the word ‘refugee', they do not really understand what that word means. This film will give its audience a broader and more in depth understanding of what it means to be a refugee. The better people can understand this, the better the chances that they would be able to develop new means of helping refugees. More so, they will be inspired by the efforts and generosity of the Canadian Government but most importantly, they will be encouraged to keep going and not lose hope. They will learn that as long as you’re still breathing, there’s still hope.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
I came into this country as a refugee. I know what it’s like to have been in refugee camps and now, be in a great, peaceful, country like Canada. There are many individuals, who are or were once refugees, who are or have gone through similar struggles like I have. As an individual, they have to deal with so many challenges and try to keep the faith, keep holding on and be hopeful that things will work out. On a universal scale, countries all around the world are experiencing a massive influx and outflux of refugees. These countries have to work out the best way to deal with this situation. This film speaks to both the individuals and the nations by highlighting the theme of hope in all things. The film is a good reminder that we will come out stronger - as individuals and as countries.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
The funny thing is 90% of this story is not scripted; it’s all personal stories that we had to support with archived videos and photos to solidify the story. Of course, we had to write a script for the narration (voice over) in order to bridge segments of the story; but even the narrator’s script is not based on something we heard on the news, it’s based on true life events. We corresponded with both News agencies and the United Nations for Refugees on a few things that we used to authenticate the story. Overall, the script is really founded on things that have actually happened or are happening around us.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
It has been amazing. This film has changed the lives of several people in such a short time. After its first screening, in Winnipeg, we received over 20 emails from people thanking us for inspiring their lives. University professors sent us emails asking for the right to show the film in their classrooms because they believe that it will inspire the lives of their students and help develop their understanding of the important tenets showcased in the film. The film has gotten over 10 official selection to different film festivals. It has won 4 awards already, including a Hollywood International Independent Documentary Award, Docs without Borders, just to mention a few.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
I was so surprised, I was not expecting such feedback. It has also challenged us to continue to create films that tell authentic stories and educate people.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
It is important for more and more people to be inspired, encouraged and educated by this film. By having this film on www.wearemovingstories.com, we will be able to make a closer step to our goal of inspiring the world and getting distributors who will help us spread the word about the film.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
We need sales agents, buyers, distributors, journalists, film festival directors and anyone who can help us spread the word.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
My desire is that this film will have a positive impact in the lives of people. I would like it to be a source of encouragement and enlightenment to many. I want refugees to be heartened to not lose hope, potential donors to be encouraged to help refugees in whatever ways they can, people who feel hopeless or worthless to be buoyed up and encouraged to not give up and, for governments and agencies, around the world, to be more aware of and active about the need for displaced refugees to be settled.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
What do you know about the Democratic Republic of Congo?
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
Right now we are working on:
- THE VICTIM: The Victim is conceived as a 6-episode docu-series that explores the intellectual challenges faced by French-speaking Congolese children who immigrated to Winnipeg as a refugee and enrolled in francophone schools.
- BLACK WEDDING: BLACK WEDDING is conceived as a 4-episode docu-series that explores the lack of synchronization of dreams and reality of Congolese immigrants living in Winnipeg who want to celebrate their wedding based on African values which are not matching with the Canadian ones.
Interview: November 2017
_______________________________________________________________________________
We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series and music video. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela
_______________________________________________________________________________
RESTORATION: A REFUGEES’ STORY
RESTORATION: A REFUGEES’ STORY is conceived as 30-minute documentary exploring the transformed lives of African immigrants who found refuge in Canada through this country’s resettlement program.
Length: 00:29:01
Director: Rogers Ofime
Producer: Patrick Mugosa
Writer: Patrick Mugosa and Laissa Pamou
About the writer & producer: Patrick Mugosa is a cinematographer, editor, producer and director. He is also an award-winning playwright with an undeniable passion for storytelling. His creative skills have attracted the attention of various international humanitarian organizations, which retained him to produce unique and informative programing.
About the director: Rogers Ofime is a Nigerian born Canadian based filmmaker and Television Producer. He is best known for producing several notable Nigerian television soap operas, including the hugely successful Tinsel, which was the first multi-camera studio based television daily soap to be produced by a Nigerian producer in all of East, West or North Africa.
Key cast: Patrick Mugosa, Maisara Uwimana, Precieuse Odoro
Looking for: sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Restoration.docu/
Instagram: restorationdocu
Funders: BellMTS-Stories from home, Patrick Mugosa, Rogers Ofime
Made in association with:BellMTS-Stories from home
Where will the film screen in the next month: Hollywood International Independent Documentary Awards (March 2018)