IDMC: Faces Of Internal Displacement
Oakbeam Pictures was commissioned by the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre to create a series of animated films exploring the relationship between internal displacement and cross-border movement. The work was developed to support the release of IDMC’s research and to help communicate its findings in a more human and accessible way.
Each film was based on real experiences, drawing directly from first-hand accounts of people affected by displacement. Our role was to translate complex data and policy research into clear, respectful narratives that foreground lived experience without sensationalising it.
The project required careful handling of sensitive subject matter, close collaboration with the research team, and a strong focus on trust and accuracy. The resulting films were designed to support understanding, encourage reflection, and ensure that the people behind the data were represented with dignity and care.
Jafar from Iraq
This short animation is the story of Jafar, who was displaced from his ancestral home and traditional way of life due by persistent drought. It is based on real stories of internal displacement collected by the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre in Iraq.
Lah Paw from Myanmar
Worldwide there are twice as many IDPs as refugees. Lah Paw, displaced more than 10 times in Myanmar, is part of the invisible majority.
“Oakbeam produced a high-quality animation under significant time pressure. We were so impressed with the final product that we immediately commissioned a second. Oakbeam are responsive, motivated, and creative. Cooperating with them on the production of these animations was a pleasure. I cannot recommend them highly enough.”
— Chloe, IDMC
Daniela from Columbia
This short animation is the real story of Daniela. Daniela lost her land when a paramilitary group seized it and her attempt to get it back 20 years later triggered threats, violence, and forced her to flee within her country multiple times.
Grace from Nigeria
This short animation is the real story of Grace, collected in Nigeria. Grace fled from Boko Haram in Nigeria to neighbouring Cameroon multiple times and, even after finally deciding to stay in Nigeria, her life remains precarious and she remains internally displaced..
