The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has brought its acclaimed mobile cinema initiative, CinemArena, to Bangladesh for the first time — marking the campaign’s Asian debut. Supported by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI), the initiative aims to raise awareness about safe migration, skills development, and dignified mobility.
Running from October 13 to November 17, 2025, the campaign will tour Madaripur, Faridpur, and Shariatpur, engaging communities through film screenings, theatrical performances, musical shows, workshops, and discussions. It is expected to reach 13 municipalities and nearly 480 villages, in collaboration with Technical Training Centres (TTCs), District Employment and Manpower Offices (DEMOs), and the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Originally launched by the Italian Cooperation in 2002, CinemArena shifted its focus to migration in 2018 through a partnership with IOM. The initiative has since organized more than 670 awareness events across six African countries, reaching over 243,000 participants.
In Bangladesh, CinemArena seeks to create inclusive community spaces that empower youth and families to make informed decisions about migration, while also encouraging entrepreneurship and skills-based opportunities at home.
Lance Bonneau, IOM’s Chief of Mission in Bangladesh, said: “Migration is a powerful driver of development when it happens safely and with dignity. CinemArena offers a creative way to bring these important conversations directly to communities.”
Salvatore Sortino, Director of IOM’s Coordination Office for the Mediterranean, noted that Bangladesh represents “a new and promising chapter” for CinemArena, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and collaboration in promoting regular and dignified migration.
By combining storytelling, art, and dialogue, CinemArena aims to foster responsible migration choices, strengthen community resilience, and inspire local action towards a safer and more inclusive migration landscape.
