Vignettes of Hope is a storytelling initiative created to counter one-dimensional portrayals of communities impacted by violent extremism. Spearheaded by Miguel Alexandre Barreiro Laredo, the project emerged from years of fieldwork and academic research in conflict-affected regions. It recognizes that beyond the headlines and dominant media narratives, there exist powerful, underrepresented stories of resilience, dignity, and community-led peacebuilding.
Rather than focusing on perpetrators or sensationalized violence, Vignettes of Hope highlights the everyday efforts of individuals who, despite trauma and marginalization, continue to promote peaceful coexistence. Through documentary filmmaking and narrative work, the project offers these communities a platform to tell their own stories—challenging harmful stereotypes and addressing the silences left by mainstream media.
Inspired by communication theory and cultural studies, the project interrogates who controls narratives and who is excluded from them. Drawing on the idea that storytelling is both a political and healing act, Vignettes of Hope invites audiences to question what they see, consider what’s missing, and ultimately connect with the shared human experiences behind each vignette. By reshaping representation and creating space for authentic, grassroots voices, Vignettes of Hope aspires to foster deeper empathy, inspire collective understanding, and help pave the way toward more just and equitable societies."
