jesuit refugee service | video series
Role: Director
Jesuit Refugee Service is grounded in the belief that “home is where we all begin—and what we want all people to find.” For three years during the pandemic, SideXSide Studios helped JRS transform its annual in-person galas into immersive virtual experiences. For each event, we produced a short documentary illuminating the organization’s impact through the stories of the refugees, staff, and communities at the heart of its work.
Immaculée in Malawi
After fleeing the Democratic Republic of Congo with her sister, Immaculée found safety in Malawi—but few opportunities to build an independent future. Through JRS’s Digital Inclusion Programme, she gained the skills to become a digital entrepreneur and now helps others in her community pursue economic independence. Her story demonstrates the transformative power of access to education and technology.
SideXSide cast, produced, and directed the film remotely, partnering with a local crew and managing all post-production in-house.
Ximena in Ecuador
As Shelter Director for JRS Ecuador, Ximena supports families who have been forced to leave their homes and begin again. Through the organization’s Livelihoods Program, she helps people turn skills in hairdressing, jewelry-making, dressmaking, and other trades into sustainable sources of income. Her work offers more than practical support—it helps families rebuild a sense of safety, stability, and hope.
Me and a director of photography traveled to Ecuador to produce the film in close collaboration with the local JRS team.
martha in kenya
Kakuma is one of Kenya’s largest refugee camps, home to hundreds of thousands of refugees and asylum seekers from across Africa. There, JRS provides inclusive education and rehabilitation services for children with physical and intellectual disabilities—resources that can otherwise be extraordinarily difficult to access within the camp. The film follows Martha, herself a refugee, who completed a JRS training program to become an occupational therapist. Through her work, she helps children develop greater mobility, independence, and confidence while supporting families navigating significant challenges.
SideXSide cast, produced, and directed the film remotely, partnering with a local crew and managing all post-production in-house.
credits
Production Company: SideXSideStudios
Director: Kathryn Carlson
Unit Director for Malawi and Kenya: Zippy Kimundu
Producer: Deanna Del Ciello
Editor: Liza Slutskaya, Kathryn Carlson