Fridoon Joinda is a UN award-winning filmmaker, human rights advocate, and the founder of Joinda Production, a non-profit video production entity dedicated to addressing social justice issues. Born into a family of artists, journalists, and social activists in Kabul, Afghanistan, Fridoon’s commitment to justice was shaped by his upbringing and deepened by the challenges he faced. In 2016, threats arising from his media work forced him to flee his homeland, beginning a harrowing journey through Iran and across borders before arriving at the Moria refugee camp on Lesvos Island, Greece.

During his year-long stay in Moria, Fridoon began documenting the inhumane conditions faced by refugees. Using his cellphone, he created films to expose these realities and amplify refugee voices. This work inspired the founding of Joinda Production, through which he has produced acclaimed films like Nice Lie (highlighting the disparity between EU ideals and refugee camp realities), Moria 35 (exposing police violence against refugees), and I Am Not Dangerous. His recent works include profiles of LGBTQ refugees, such as Sonia and Ryan, which celebrate their courage and identity.

Fridoon’s films have been screened internationally, including in Europe and the United States, and have earned him invitations to speak at prestigious platforms such as the 7th European Migration Forum in Brussels, universities, and public events. His efforts aim to influence EU policymakers, promote refugee inclusion, and shift public perceptions of refugees.

In 2017, Fridoon received a scholarship to The American College of Greece, where he completed his BA in Communications and Journalism in 2024, earning awards for his advocacy and academic performance. He also participated in Harvard University’s 2023 Summer Course on Refugee and Migration Studies and received the MIT Refugee Entrepreneurship Scholarship in 2024. Despite securing admissions to MA programs at Denver University and American University with scholarships, financial constraints linked to his refugee status prevented him from attending.

Currently, Fridoon hosts and directs The Untold, a video podcast that bridges communication gaps between refugees, local communities, and authorities. Inspired by his fieldwork in Lesvos during Harvard’s migration studies course, the podcast amplifies diverse perspectives on human rights, aiming to foster awareness, cooperation, and policy change.

Fridoon Joinda’s work transcends storytelling; it is a call for dignity, inclusion, and shared humanity. His unwavering dedication to education and advocacy has inspired refugees, citizens, and policymakers worldwide, emphasizing the transformative power of acceptance and collaboration in creating a more equitable world.