Sophia Egan and Tumi Isa Daniels, two mentors from the Cork Migrant Centre Youth Initiative Against Racism (CMC YIAR) have joined forces in the short film ‘Parallel Souls’ – a blended fusion of self-choreographed contemporary dance, partnered with original poetry depicting a message of hope, unity, and resilience.

"I was creatively free!" Tumi tells us. "In the past I struggled with expressing my true self. I was terrified of what people would say about me. In the process of pleasing people, I lost my voice and identity. I felt like my words had no importance in making an impact. Society and the media would force feed me on how to look and act more acceptable. Taking part in this project has impacted me in so many ways. It was as if an invisible tape that restricted me from talking was peeled away from my mouth, and I could finally speak and express myself."

Tumi Isa Daniel

CMC YIAR have been working hard since their inception last year to empower and enable Cork migrant youth to address racial and social issues creatively. Together the youth and their mentors consisting of young professionals, have been raising awareness and inspiring a necessary change in attitudes towards migrants in Irish Society.

"This is the first proper dance project where I fully felt ownership of my creativity," Sophia shares. "This instilled confidence and motivated me to keep pursuing dance and performance."

Directed by Banger Productions, ’Parallel Souls’ encourages unity in times where and when the message is needed. This will be part of the ongoing Keep Well Resilience campaign, funded by Healthy Ireland and Sláintecare, an initiative of the Government of Ireland delivered by Pobal via Cork County Council.

Watch 'Parallel Souls' below: