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Promoted by Dzaleka Online Services
We Name Ourselves Film Background

We Name
Ourselves

From behind locked gates and closed borders,
hope rises—in color, in sound, in story.

We Name Ourselves Official Poster
Film Scene

About the Story

Dzaleka Refugee Camp, Malawi is under-resourced and over-populated. Once a high-security prison, it now shelters over 53,000 displaced people from war-torn countries like the DRC, Burundi & Rwanda.

Amidst ruins and neglect, a group of teenagers turn to spoken word poetry as a way to navigate a world with the odds stacked against them. Their hopeful voices echo through the relentless monotony of daily life, expressing universal human emotions and questions.

But once a year, the Tumaini Festival transforms the camp into a vibrant celebration, drawing over 50,000 attendees. For a brief moment, it shatters the harsh reality of camp life and brings them out of the shadows.

"Our voices
shall be heard!"
— Espoir Kahitani

The Poets

Featuring the powerful voices of Dzaleka's young poets.

Espoir Kahitani

Poet

Nyota Ephrase

Poet

Charles Lipanda Mahigwe

Poet

Mutamba Lodima

Poet

Samuel Mundusa

Poet

Rudy Ruhigita Bienvenue

Poet

Heritier Havyarimana Kivunja

Poet
The Release

Currently in post-production with expected completion in September 2025. The film will be distributed globally through film festivals, streaming platforms, and partner-led screening events.

DirectorFrancisco Alcala Torreslanda
Cinematography & EditingAlex García
Produced ByHOME Storytellers

How This Film Drives Change

Real-World Impact

Creativity. Learning. Connection.

HOME Storytellers has announced three major initiatives supported by The Big Heart Foundation (TBHF) to turn these beliefs into reality.

Artistic Livelihoods

In partnership with Artolution, Salama Africa, and Tumaini Letu, Dzaleka’s new Digital Content Creation Lab is launching. This hub equips local artists with tools and mentorship to build sustainable careers.

  • 2-Week Capacity Workshop
  • Fully Equipped Creator Lab

A New Library

A 140 m² library is being built in Dzaleka, managed by local educators. It provides a safe environment for study, exam prep, and digital literacy.

  • 25 Laptops for Learning
  • Expanded Book Collection

The Virtual Portal

Together with Shared Studios and Ubuntu Nation, the campaign is bringing an immersive portal to Dzaleka, connecting it live with cities like Berlin & New York.

  • Global Real-Time Connection
  • Cultural Exchange Stage

Work Alongside Us

From behind locked gates and closed borders, hope rises. We’re here to carry it forward.

Get Involved

Community Partner

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