In 1989, civil war broke out in Liberia. Many fled the country, others were killed and some settled on camp Buduburam.
33 years later, many live life in limbo. This is their story.
The Resilience and determination of the African spirit in the face of hardship
In producing this documentary, we sought out to provide a deeper understanding and appreciation of the experiences of young Liberian refugees living in a former refugee camp in Ghana. By showcasing the positive contributions and accomplishments of these individuals, the film aims to challenge and correct the negative stereotypes and narratives that often surround refugee youth.
The film focuses on the stories of Eugene and Winifred, two young individuals who are facing different challenges but share a common dream of a better future. The documentary is directed by a Ghanaian filmmaker and aims to give an authentic and nuanced portrayal of the camp and its inhabitants, as seen through the eyes of the residents themselves, rather than through the lens of outsiders from abroad.
KEY PARTNERS
Dr.JONAS ECKE
Humanitarian Aid Scholar-Practitioner PhD, Anthropology
Dr. Jonas Ecke is an anthropologist and humanitarian who has extensive experience working with Liberian refugees. He has lived in Liberia and Ghana for extended periods of time and received his PhD in Anthropology from Purdue University. His research focuses on the post-return integration of refugee returnees in West Africa. His work has been published in both academic and journalistic outlets such as Al Jazeera and Salon.com.
Leo Nupolu Johnson
President, Liberian Association of Canada
Leo Nupolu Johnson is an experienced non profit executive, entrepreneur, human rights specialist, public speaker, and United Nations Fellow. As a teenager, he spent eight years in refugee camps in Ivory Coast and Ghana after fleeing from civil war in his native Liberia. In 2006, he resettled in Canada as a government-assisted refugee.
Ingrid Gercama
Investigative Journalist & Anthropologist
Ingrid Gercama is a journalist and documentary maker with a focus on social and environmental stories. She has reported for various media outlets in over 15 countries, including the BBC and The Guardian. She has also been recognized for her work, including being a Fellow at the International Press Institute, winning the Lorenzo Natali Media Prize, and being shortlisted for the Fetisov Journalism Awards. She also makes documentary films for Arte/ZDF.
AWARDS
IMPACT
On the 12th of May 2023 We hosted a successful discussion and film screening of Life in Limbo in collaboration with the Goethe Institute, bringing together a diverse panel of experts and individuals affected by the Liberian refugee crisis. The event sparked meaningful conversations, shedding light on the plight of displaced people worldwide. The panel included Eugene Doeteh, an inspiring entrepreneur and protagonist in the film; Franklin Tolbert Fallah, who lived on the camp for more than two and a half decades and is the son of former Liberian president William R. Tolbert Jr.; Dr. Jonas Ecke, a dedicated researcher with extensive experience studying the Liberian refugee crisis; and Leo Nupolu Johnson, a social impact entrepreneur and former refugee on the camp, who joined the discussion virtually as a United Nations Fellow for the International Decade for People of African Descent. Supported by the Ford Foundation, Ashesi University, and the dedication of many others, the event showcased the ongoing impact of "Life in Limbo" in raising awareness and fostering understanding. We look forward to continuing our mission of advocating for displaced communities through future screenings and discussions, creating a more compassionate and inclusive world.
Team
Director - Michael Ansah
DoP - Emmanuel Abeiku Gaisie
2nd DoP - Kwabena Dennis
Gaffer - Koffi Lansi
Grip - Albert Onme
Sound - Patrick Jan
Motion Graphics - Michael Ansah
Assistant Editor - Hector Kugbadzor
Behind The Scenes
This Project was made possible by the Ashesi Foundation and Ford Foundation