The New Quijotes in Search for an Utopia

“The New Quijotes in Search for an Utopia” is a powerful storytelling journey led by Miguel Angel Amórtegui, a celebrated photojournalist, author, and participatory photography facilitator. Having spent over 15 years immersed in some of the world's most challenging environments—refugee camps, orphanages, slums, and gang-ridden communitiesMiguel's work has focused on amplifying the voices of those often unseen and unheard. His talk, inspired by the legendary Don Quijote’s idealism, explores the pursuit of a better world through stories of dignity, resilience, and love.

This talk is an invitation to see the world through the eyes of individuals who, despite facing immense adversity, continue to fight for a sense of hope and belonging. Delivered with raw honesty and heart, “The New Quijotes in Search for an Utopia” is a talk that resonates deeply with audiences across sectors, from charity organisations and corporations to universities and schools.

About the Talk

Through a compelling blend of photography, film, and narrative, Miguel offers an intimate view into the lives of those he has worked with in places such as the Calais refugee camp, orphanages for child soldiers in Congo and Uganda, and gang rehabilitation projects in London. This talk celebrates the indomitable human spirit, encouraging audiences to reflect on values that bind us all—empathy, courage, and the pursuit of justice.

Miguel’s unique background as both a storyteller and a psychotherapist specialising in PTSD gives him a deep understanding of trauma and resilience, making this talk not onlyimpactful but also therapeutic. Each story he shares offers a vision of possibility, reminding us that even in the darkest circumstances, there is light.

Key Themes and Takeaways

  • Hope and Humanity: Miguel’s stories illustrate the power of hope as a driving force in the lives of those marginalised by society.

  • -Empowerment and Voice: Through participatory photography, Miguel has enabled individuals in refugee camps, slums, and conflict zones to tell their own stories.

  • -Resilience and Healing: Miguel delves into how storytelling and shared narratives serve as a pathway to healing, for both the storyteller and the listener.

  • -Global Justice and Responsibility: Reflecting on the lived experiences of those affected by war, poverty, and displacement, this talk challenges audiences to think about our collective responsibility towards global justice and equality.

  • Building Bridges Across Cultures: Miguel’s work celebrates the richness of diverse perspectives and experiences, promoting inclusivity in our interconnected world.

  • Targeted Benefits by Audience For Charities es and Nonprofits

This talk strengthens empathy, motivation, and dedication among teams working in the social sector. Miguel’s experiences in the field provide practical insights on how to work compassionately with marginalised communities and embrace new methods for advocacy, such as participatory photography and storytelling.

For Corporatons

Corporations benefit from this talk by gaining a broader understanding of social responsibility and the role businesses can play in supporting vulnerable communities.

Miguel’s stories inspire teams to reflect on values like empathy, resilience, and responsibility, which are vital for creating ethical and humane corporate cultures.

For Universi8es and Educational onal Institutions, Students and educators alike are encouraged to think critically about global issues such as displacement, poverty, and social justice. This talk aligns with subjects like sociology, political science, human rights, journalism, and psychology, making it highly relevant to academia. It provides a unique, real-world perspective that inspires young people to think deeply and consider careers in social impact fields.

For Schools

At a simplified level, this talk instills values of kindness, empathy, and courage in young minds. Through inspiring stories and visuals, Miguel introduces students to the importance of understanding different perspectives, helping them build a foundation of compassion and global awareness from an early age.Structure and Customisaton Miguel adapts the content and focus of “The New Quijotes in Search for an Utopia” to suit the needs and interests of each audience. A typical talk includes:

-Visual Storytelling: High-impact photographs and videos that capture the essence of each community and story.

•Interactive Q&A: An open space for questions, reflection, and deeper exploration of the themes presented.

•Workshops (Optional): For audiences interested in a more hands-on experience, Miguel offers participatory photography workshops where participants can explore self-expression and storytelling through photography.

Why Book This Talk?

-Transformative and Memorable: Audiences are left with a lasting impression and a renewed sense of hope and purpose.

-Highly Relevant: The talk touches on timely issues such as the global refugee crisis, poverty, social justice, and mental health.

-Flexible and Impactful: Miguel’s talk can be tailored to suit any audience, from inspiring corporate teams to educating young students.

Whether for a charity event, a corporate gathering, or an academic lecture, Miguel’s talk “The New Quijotes in Search for an Utopia” provides a powerful, thought-provoking experience that inspires empathy, compassion, and social awareness.

For more information on pricing and to discuss how we can tailor this talk to best suit your audience, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Rates vary depending on the event format, venue, and audience size, and I’m happy to work with you to create an impactful experience within your organisation’s budget.

For booking inquiries or to learn more about customising this talk for your audience, please contact: Click@miguelamortegui.com

Testimonials

I first met Miguel Angel Amortegui in 2019 at St. Ann's Warehouse in Brooklyn, where he was hosting a photo exhibit to accompany the play The Jungle. Miguel had spent a year living in the Calais refugee camp, 'The Jungle,' documenting the resilience, dignity, and humanity of its residents through his photography. His ability to bring the stories of vulnerable communities to light is nothing short of extraordinary. As Principal of the United Nations International School, and inspired by his work, I invited Miguel to deliver the Commencement Address for the UNIS Class of 2019, during the Graduation Ceremony held at the UN General Assembly Hall, in New York City. His message, rooted in dignity, gratitude, and resilience, embodied the UNIS mission to be an 'active force for a better world.' Miguel’s passion for participatory photography and his gift for capturing the strength of the human spirit make him a true hero to me. Whether through his images, his inspirational talks, or his presence, Miguel challenges us to recognize our shared humanity and pursue a more compassionate, inclusive world. He is a rare and powerful voice for change, and I cannot recommend his work highly enough.

Antoine Delaitre, Director of the United Nations International School in Paris.

"The response from the students was enthusiastic. Miguel Amortegui was able to touch our hearts with his courageous choices which took him to the war zones and to the ends of the earth. Through his participatory photography classes, he gave back a voice to the victims of violence and enabled them to recount their stories by using a camera.  We live in places  that often feel alienating, so we must know how to use our creativity to change the world. This is the message he has powerfully conveyed to us through the visual poetry of his photos and his life in the service of others."

Crisitna Penanrola, Associate Professor of English language, translation and linguistics at the Department of Political Sciences, University of Naples Federico II