Documenting the Human Spirit: Orlando von Einsiedel on Filmmaking, Conflict, and Belonging

Belongings Podcast
Belongings Podcast
Documenting the Human Spirit: Orlando von Einsiedel on Filmmaking, Conflict, and Belonging
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In this season finale of Belongings, embark on an emotional voyage with Orlando von Einsiedel, an Oscar-winning documentary filmmaker whose work in capturing the raw human experience in war-torn regions has reshaped our understanding of home and belonging. Through intimate conversation, Orlando opens up about the deep emotional bonds that he forms with his subjects; bonds that often challenge his own perceptions of safety, love, and the essence of home. His powerful anecdotes and personal reflections offer a unique window into the lives of those affected by conflict, as seen in his poignant films like The White Helmets and The Walk, reminding us that home is not just a place, but a sanctuary built on cherished relationships.

In an evocative exploration of storytelling and human connection, we delve into Orlando’s latest venture—a film chronicling the journey of Little Amal and the heartrending portrayal by Asil, a young Syrian refugee who brings the character to life. Asil joins our dialogue, sharing her dreams and experiences, which radiate the hope and determination of countless refugee children. This episode is not just a celebration of Orlando’s cinematic artistry; it’s a tribute to the indefatigable spirit of those seeking a place to call home. As we close off this season, we thank you and hope you find these conversations meaningful. See you in season three.

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Description

Everyone knows that there’s no place like home. But home means someplace different for every person. It’s the place that builds us and breaks us. The place where we find ourselves. It’s the place that some people run away from and others spend their lives searching for.

In Belongings, we explore concepts of home, belonging, collective memory, loss, and displacement. Discussions revolve around questions like: How do we find belonging? What is home to us now? What makes a community? How to rebuild the sense of home after displacement? Is home where we are from or where we are going to or something in between? Each episode includes an intimate conversation with a special guest as well as a lived experience account from a Syrian refugee.

We will be mapping home together. And, hopefully, by stitching our collective stories, we will feel less alone.

Where do you belong?

Show Notes

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About the guest

Lina Sergie Attar

Show Host

Lina Sergie Attar is a Syrian-American architect and writer from Aleppo. She is the founder and CEO of Karam, a nonprofit organization building a better future for refugees. Lina was named one of GOOD magazine’s 2016 GOOD 100 for her work with Syrian refugees. Her articles and essays have been published in The New York Times,  Chicago Tribune, Foreign Policy, Politico, The Atlantic, and BBC. She has appeared on CNN, NBC News, BBC News, Huffington Post, NPR, and other media outlets. Lina has spoken about the Syrian humanitarian crisis at schools, universities, and institutions. She is a co-founder of the How Many More? project, serves as Chair of the Board of Directors of The Syria Campaign, and is a non-resident fellow at New America.

Mashrou’ Leila

Music Composers

Mashrou’ Leila is a Lebanese four-member indie rock band. The band formed in Beirut, Lebanon, in 2008 as a music workshop at the American University of Beirut.

Podcast Tracklist:

Habibi by Mashrou’ Leila
Inni Mneeh by Mashrou’ Leila

Podcast Producers

Rama Majzoub
Nour Al Ghraowi

Podcast Research

Ghania Chaudhry

Podcast Artwork

Suliman Faour