Tak and Songkhla – In addition to milk and sugar, café goers in Tak and Songkhla took their coffee with another important question: could they reimagine their dreams through the lens of Rohingya refugees? 

“Unfiltered Dreams,” a short animated film exploring the divergent realities between Rohingya and members of the public, was released during the launch events at Borderline Café in Mae Sot, Tak and Lorem Ipsum Space in Hat Yai, Songkhla.

Over 90 guests attended the launch event which aimed to celebrate Rohingya culture and combat xenophobia among Thai communities. The launch events were a joint venture between IOM and production company Invisible Ink, with support from the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO). 

Following the film screening, the guests were also invited to partake in traditional Burmese food, tea and coffee for further conversation and reflection. The diverse range of guests included non-governmental organizations (NGOs), university students, business owners and other members of the Thai public. A group of local university students in Songkhla noted that while they had a cursory knowledge of Rohingya refugees, they were able to understand the complex legal and humanitarian issues confronted by the group while engaging with Rohingyas’ unique cultural heritage through henna tattoos.  

The film launch was part of a mixed media exhibition featuring a timeline of Rohingya history and artwork by Rohingya refugees. Chronicling critical moments in Rohingyas’ shared experiences remains an important part of preserving their humanity, which has come under increasing discrimination. 

In recent history, Rohingya refugees, migrants and asylum seekers have been forced to flee intensifying persecution in Myanmar. As a result, Rohingya have used embroidery and artwork to express their struggles and hopes for the future, which guests observed through the Rohingya Cultural Memory Centre.  

In addition, Rohingya traditional clothing, religious items and a henna tattoo station underscored the important role that the expression of art, beauty and values plays in reaching communities with a shared appreciation of culture. Guests emerged with bright, intricate henna tattoos—a symbol of enduring hope for Rohingya refugees long after they have faded.