prijava
SARAJEVO, December 17 (FENA) – A special event titled 'Lights, Camera, Action! – Screening Journeys: The Representation of Migration in Cinema' will be held tonight in Sarajevo on the occasion of International Migrants Day.
This year's theme explores the impact of cinematography on global perceptions of migration. The event will provide a deeper understanding of migration stories through the lens of film.
"What we are doing today is looking at migration from the perspective of cinematography, examining what cinematography can do to give a completely different image of migration and what has happened that motivated and inspired cinematography to portray migration differently. Essentially, what we are trying to do is bring together people from the cultural sector, those who love film, to come together at CineStar, where the event will be held, and see what they can do to contribute to a better portrayal of migration," said Laura Lungarotti, Chief of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Mission in BiH, in an interview with FENA.
She added that they are trying to create a balanced view of the migration phenomenon.
According to Lungarotti, migration is indeed a complex phenomenon.
"According to the information available to the authorities in BiH, this year has seen a significant change in migration flows, not only to the territory of BiH but generally to the Western Balkans. There has been a notable decrease, about 20 percent, in the number of irregular migrants coming to the region. Essentially, we are now talking about historically low arrival numbers," said Lungarotti.
She reminded that there are four temporary reception centers in BiH, currently housing fewer than a thousand irregular migrants.
"We can generally say that the situation is stable and manageable. Another fact is that while there has been a decrease in the number of irregular arrivals, there has been an increase in the number of people coming legally. So, we are also seeing an increase in people coming for employment opportunities," noted Lungarotti.
She said that the profile of migrants coming to BiH is changing, "as they bring skills, knowledge, and experiences that complement the missing part of the workforce in BiH".
IOM Chief of Mission in BiH noted that they mainly come from Syria, Afghanistan and Morocco.
''Employers in the Western Balkans, including BiH, express a strong need due to a lack of workforce, so the arrival of foreign workers to the region should help in the growth potential of the Western Balkans,'' said Lungarotti.
However, she added, since there is not enough domestic workforce, "employers insist that access to the labor market be provided for these foreign workers so that they can work".
"What should be clear is that these foreign workers are not coming here to take jobs from the citizens of the Western Balkans. Simply, in the Western Balkans, either citizens are not interested, lack certain skills, or for some other reason do not want to do those jobs. So, the foreign workers coming here simply fill in what employers are missing," said Lungarotti.
At the end of the conversation, she said that the message they want to send through the observance of International Migrants Day is "that we should all appreciate the value of every person, every human being, regardless of where that human being is, whether they are on the move or residing in a specific area."
"We simply need to find the common strength for such an issue and, essentially, to change and redirect the discussions about it, looking at the economic effects, what can help societies and economies become stronger, and to increase efforts for inclusiveness and integration. In the end, we should show solidarity with everyone, regardless of where they are, in which category they belong, whether they are on the move or those who permanently reside in a specific area. That would be our main message," concluded Lungarotti.
(FENA) A. B.
