The local Multicultural Council will be putting on a film screening this Wednesday for World Refugee Day.

Tyler Bastedo, Community Connections Coordinator for the Moose Jaw Multicultural Council (MJMC) reiterated the purpose of the annual day of observance.

"World Refugee Day is a globally recognized event, dedicated to raising awareness and to commemorate the strength and perseverance of the millions of individuals who have been forced to flee their homes due to war or persecution."

Across the world, there are an estimated 65.6 million refugees, according to a statement issued by the UN Head Commissioner. The films shown at the local festival hope to shed light on many of the issues felt by the people who have suffered from war, famine, violence and persecution.

"There will 2 films, the first will be "19 days", which is a short documentary about several families who have arrived in Canada, and it covers the first 19 days of their settlement, and the agency that assisted them, the second film is called "Last Chance", which is a documentary that tells the story of five asylum seekers, coming to Canada to escape homophobic violence," explained Bastedo.

The Multicultural Council expressed a great deal of hope for what this event will bring, with people of all backgrounds coming together to bring an atmosphere of understanding and unity.

"Many individuals and families who have been forced to flee their home countries and seek refuge in Canada have now made Moose Jaw their homes." Said Bastedo, "We have a large community of former refugees, and we hope that this event can both educate the community of the circumstance of many of our new neighbours, and as well to signal to those newcomers that our community is a welcoming place, and it's a good place to call home."

The all-ages screening will be hosted at the Public Library on Wednesday, at 6:30 pm with a discussion panel to follow the films. You can find more information on their Facebook page.