Great Green Wall Film Screening to Raise Awareness for Refugee Issues

On December 17, 2025, Toyo Gakuen University, under the guidance of its Global Communication Department, will host the 'Toyo Gakuen University Refugee Film Festival Partners Screening'. This event is aimed at raising awareness about refugee issues through film, fostering empathy, and encouraging support within Japanese society.

Connecting Lives Through Song and Greenery

The Refugee Film Festival Partners initiative is a collective effort supported by various schools, corporations, organizations, and local governments in alignment with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). It involves holding screenings that promote understanding of refugee challenges.

The featured film for this screening is 'The Great Green Wall', which focuses on the Sahel region of Africa—an area struggling with the adverse effects of climate change. Here, people face the harsh realities of desertification, drought, and food shortages, leading to conflicts that force many into migration. In response, the monumental afforestation project 'Great Green Wall', stretching 8,000 kilometers across the African continent, was initiated in 2007.

In the documentary, globally renowned musician Inna Modja from Mali embarks on a journey across Africa, creating music with local artists. Passionate about empowering women, she sends a powerful message to young girls she meets along the way, urging them to believe in their dreams. This inspiring documentary blends climate change with refugee issues, garnering recognition as a special selection by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) for its international understanding and peace promotion.

On the day of the event, attendees can participate in fundraising activities for UNHCR. Additionally, a quiz competition will be organized, and entry is free of charge. This screening not only seeks to enlighten audiences about pressing global issues but also encourages active participation in humanitarian efforts.

Come join us in this vital conversation about refugees and climate change through the lens of powerful storytelling and music. Together, we can foster a world of understanding and support!