In conjunction with World Refugee Day, today, Alicia Keys’ cultural movement, We Are Here, has partnered with CARE, Oxfam and War Child, on a new campaign to raise awareness and reinvigorate the conversation around the refugee crisis currently affecting 65 million people around the world.
Coinciding with the campaign’s launch, Alicia Keys’ has premiered a new short film entitled Let Me In, directed by Jonathan Olinger from HUMAN. The film’s soundtrack is a new song, “Hallelujah,” off her upcoming album to be released later this summer.
Let Me In reimagines the refugee crisis on America’s shores, displacing thousands in the Los Angeles metropolitan area who must seek safety and well-being by crossing the border into Mexico. Starring Alicia Keys, the film follows her and her family’s struggle to reach safety in the midst of conflict.
“I was stunned when I learned that there are more refugees living in the world today than at any other point in history, and half of them are children,” says Alicia Keys. “Creating this film really allowed us to imagine, what if we were the refugees? What if we were the ones torn from the arms of our families and loved ones? How would it feel if this were happening to us?”
“The intention behind Let Me In is to bring the struggles of refugees and displaced people into a relatable context,” says Jonathan Olinger, director of Let Me In. “I hope the film leaves people asking the simple question: What if it was us? And that it ultimately blurs the lines between ‘us’ and ‘them’ — as we are all human. HUMAN’s collaboration with Alicia Keys and We Are Here Movement amplifies this story and we hope it creates global conversation, empathy and action.”
Viewers can get involved and pledge their support by visiting www.WeAreHereMovement.com and making a contribution that will go towards items that will benefit refugees around the world through We Are Here partnering organizations.
“Let Me In” shines a light on the plight of the millions of people who are displaced in the world, and brings the brutality of war into our lives in a very personal way,” says Dr. Samantha Nutt, Founder, War Child USA and Canada. “At a time when 65 million people are displaced in the world, we are grateful to Alicia Keys, who through her We Are Here Movement has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to those who have been forced to flee their homes. Let Me In helps give a voice to those who have gone unheard for far too long. I encourage everyone to watch and donate.”
“Around the world, millions of refugees are fleeing poverty and conflicts in the hope of securing a better life for themselves and their children. These are not just numbers, they are real people with individual stories,” says Raymond Offenheiser, President of Oxfam America. “Let Me In” allows viewers to experience, if only for a few moments, the dangerous journey many risk in pursuit of safer, better lives for their families. We are so grateful to Alicia Keys and We Are Here for lending their voice to the millions of refugees around the world.”
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