The stories of the Border's refugee community have been told by one of their own for Refugee Week.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Filmmaker Olivier Nzovu first picked up a camera living in Nairobi in 2015, and has continued to pursue his passion since settling in Wodonga 13 months ago.
The 22-year-old Wodonga TAFE student has filmed interviews with Border people from a refugee background for the Albury Wodonga Ethnic Communities Council.
"We did 14 interviews; they're talking about their experience in Australia and their first feelings when they came here," Mr Nzovu said.
"Especially for the multicultural community, they can express themselves and know they are recognised here in Australia.
"It's not something common, to talk about yourself, especially if you are new in a country. They are very happy to have a voice.
"We didn't only focus on African communities, we focused on the Bhutanese, and Iranians.
"We have (translated the video into) three different languages; Kinyarwanda, Swahili, and Nepali."
The video, a joint project with STARTTS funded by Wodonga Council, was launched on AWECC's Facebook page on Sunday.
Community advocacy officer Jodie Farrugia said videos featuring community members would be shared daily during the week.
"We work closely with a group of people from a refugee background in a working group, and they came up with the idea," she said.
"Both Albury and Wodonga are official welcome zones for refugees, and they contribute so much to our community."
Mr Nzovu said his family of four had felt welcomed in Wodonga.
"The most difficult thing was the language barrier; now I'm getting used to the accent," he said.
"I liked coming across different people and having a chance to buy my own gear.
"I don't want to have the memories of where I came from, so I just live my life here and focus on the future."
IN OTHER NEWS:
This is not the first project Mr Nzovu has done with AWECC, but it has been his favourite.
"I met Jodie last year - we did a project together called Afrobeat, and I did a video for that event," he said.
"My first video was a music video; I had a friend who worked at a TV station back in Nairobi.
"I'd like to work behind the camera at a TV station.
"I always wanted to do videography; it is my passion."