DIGITAL DIASPORA FAMILY REUNION

A live interactive event where shared photographs transform strangers into family. 

Bring your family photos and join the fun!

The Digital Diaspora Family Reunion (DDFR) is a project developed by Documentary Branch member Thomas Allen Harris. It is deeply rooted in the quest for cross-generational and multicultural understanding, and creating a sense of empathy among people of differing backgrounds. A town hall event, DDFR uses the images that people create every day as the lever to celebrate the connections, shared values and common experiences that unite us all in our basic humanity. The event brings people together to share their family photos with live audiences in a public setting and raise awareness of the power of images to illuminate the human condition, family and spirituality.

To date, DDFR has held over 40 live events in more than 30 cities, partnering with local community organizations. They have interviewed over 1,500 people, gathered more than 25,000 images, recorded over 1,000 hours of video footage and produced more than 100 video modules. The Academy, in partnership with the International Documentary Association, is thrilled to host this unique reimagining of the digital “Family Album.”