Miguel Angel Amórtegui
Hello, I am the Director of the Egg Foundation, an award-winning filmmaker, photographer, investigative journalist, and participatory photography trainer. My journey in storytelling through film and photography has been a remarkable odyssey, spanning across 15 years and taking me to the farthest corners of our world. With a strong social conscience, I use the visual mediums of film and photography to give voice to those whose stories often remain unheard.
As the Director of the Egg Foundation, my work is centered on identifying the unique needs of different communities through Participatory Photography projects. I believe in the power of communities to shape their own destinies, and I facilitate projects that empower them to move forward, creating positive change from within.
My expertise goes beyond the camera lens. I am a trained participatory photography facilitator, dedicated to empowering individuals within disadvantaged and marginalized communities. Through these skills, individuals can represent themselves and create powerful tools for advocacy and communication. My work has touched the lives of diverse communities, including gangs in London, residents of Lima's sprawling slums in Peru, and communities battling extreme poverty in Ghana. I have also collaborated on impactful documentaries with exiled people hailing from Chile to Botswana.
Over the years, my lens has captured the struggles and triumphs of humanity in the face of adversity. I have worked closely with people enduring infrahuman conditions, child soldiers seeking a path to normalcy, and refugees navigating the challenges of camps on the fringes of society. Additionally, I have documented the experiences of communities undergoing profound political transformations, providing a window into their world.
One significant chapter of my journey unfolded in the infamous refugee camp known as "the Jungle" in Calais, France. Immersed in this challenging environment, I devoted the majority of my time to teaching refugees the art of photography. Through their newfound skills, they found a voice on social media platforms, allowing them to share their experiences and aspirations with the world. I lived for a year within the camp, working side by side with the refugees, forging connections and gaining a deep understanding of their lives.
Thanks to the impact of "Voices of the Jungle," my book chronicling life within the refugee camp, I was invited to speak at the United Nations General Assembly, where I shared the stories and struggles of those I had the privilege to work with.
In my free time, I find joy in a few unconventional pursuits – swimming in the sea, rock climbing, and riding motorcycles with my oversized dog, Rocky. Add skateboarding and a thirst for exploring the world to the mix, and you have a glimpse into my adventurous side.
As a Latin-American with a global perspective, I understand the importance of cross-cultural sensitivity and effective communication. Fluent in Spanish, English, and French, I bridge cultural divides and capture the nuance and detail of every story I tell.
My career has been a tapestry of faces and stories, each one etched into my visual memory. I am driven by an unwavering passion and curiosity for the myriad facets of our human race and the world we inhabit. Through my work, I aim to shine a light on these diverse narratives and foster a deeper understanding of our shared humanity. Join me on this extraordinary journey where storytelling transcends boundaries and empowers change.
At the Egg Foundation, we believe in the power of storytelling to create positive change. Our work revolves around identifying the unique needs of diverse communities through Participatory Photography projects. We empower individuals within disadvantaged and marginalized communities, enabling them to represent themselves and advocate for their needs.
We invite you to trust in our experience and join us on this extraordinary journey where storytelling transcends boundaries and empowers change. Support the Egg Foundation, collaborate with us on future projects, and be part of a community dedicated to making a meaningful impact. Together, we can create a world where every community thrives.
Join us in this transformative mission.
Miguel Amórtegui