MULTIMEDIA
STORIES
From 13-year old Seamus homeschooling in Melbourne to singer-songwriter Marianne making peace with the place she turned her back on years ago - the pandemic has tripped up lives globally.
Listening to the small stories, a big picture emerges: Perhaps a less frantic world, with a greater capacity for empathy. Or simply, a moment shared in a way none of us could have ever imagined.
Dane in New York City
In November 2019, 35-year-old Dane was released from jail.
Unwilling to relinquish his new freedom and determined to leave behind the nightmares of foster families and prison cells, he keeps working despite pandemic and lockdown. But what happens when a countrywide movement breaks out that seems to put stories like his - often marginalized, almost always forgotten - front and center?
Unwilling to relinquish his new freedom and determined to leave behind the nightmares of foster families and prison cells, he keeps working despite pandemic and lockdown. But what happens when a countrywide movement breaks out that seems to put stories like his - often marginalized, almost always forgotten - front and center?
Dane in New York City
Sonu Sood
Most will know Bollywood star Sonu Sood for his portrayal of bad guys. But Covid-19 has set an end to the mean streak. Heralded as a real-life hero, Sonu shares with us where his determination to do good comes from and what it feels like when not everything is rosy like in the films.
Sonu in Mumbai
Helen Clark
Helen Clark is not used to being stuck at home. As former PM of New Zealand and UN official, her default mode is on the road. So - how does a world leader cope with a world in standstill?
Helen in Auckland
Jonas & Johannes in Berlin
Jonas is 4 and lives in Berlin. His dad Johannes has had a bit of shock going into lockdown. Instead of life slowing down, it has suddenly accelerated.
Jonas & Johannes in Berlin
Michael in New York
Michael lost his brother, New York Times journalist Alan Finder, to Covid-19. He shared with us his thoughts on grieving from afar, his own vulnerabilty and miracles in spite of it all.
Michael in New York
Vera & Valentin in Brussels
Vera's life is absolutely perfect. She and her husband and their son live in Brussels with another baby on the way. When Covid-19 hits Belgium, Vera takes some precautions but the rest of her family doesn't think much of it at all. Until her father Valentin is put on a ventilator and their world is turned upside down.
Vera & Valentin in Brussels
Elisenda in Manlleu
Elisenda has two young daughters and works as an occupational therapist in her local hospital. When Covid-19 arrives in Spain, work becomes tough and being a mom even harder. Then, she tests positive.
Elisenda in Manlleu
Ildiko in Vientiane
"A year ago, I'm not so sure I'd have survived a pandemic!" Ildiko has had to grapple with divorce and flooded homes, now a life in lockdown is added to her plate.
Ildiko in Vientiane
Muntaha in Kashmir
For Muntaha, lockdown is nothing new. In fact, Kashmir has been in some form of lockdown or another since the 5th of August 2019. At the young age of 21, Muntaha has a lifetime of experience to share with the rest of the world. Finally, it seems, the suffering can be contextualized.
Muntaha in Kashmir
Florence in Lima
Florence is a Peruvian photographer fighting stereotypes. When she witnesses a face-off between the Cantagallo island community's ancient knowledge of plant medicine and Covid-19, she picks up her camera.
Florence in Lima
Gabriel and Ross in Lima
2020 has been a year of putting life on hold for Gabriel and Ross; they have had to temporarily close their LGBTQ+ NGO Presente and postpone their own wedding.
Gabriel & Ross in Lima
Stella in NYC
Stella is living alone in New York City and is dearly missing human contact. Yet, she is incredibly scared of going out, even just for a run. Has the city she loves abandoned her?
Stella in NYC
Adam in Beijing
Adam was on the road “fleeing the virus” around South East Asia for over eight weeks before returning to Beijing as China became – ironically – one of the more safe places to be.
Adam in Beijing
Dima in Sri Lanka
Dima has his life planned out until 2021 or so he thinks. When Covid-19 strikes and he is left stranded in Sri Lanka he has a decision to make: Will he take the last flight home or not?
Dima in Sri Lanka
Suzanne in Hanoi
Suzanne has lived in Hanoi, Vietnam, for 26 years now. She was in New York City for a Vernissage when the country started closing it's borders. Would she make it home in time?
Suzanne in Hanoi
Marianne in Tucson
Singer-songwriter and artist Marianne finds herself stuck in Tucson, the US town she had turned her back on years before.
Marianne in Tucson
Gaurav in Jhansi
Gaurav is a young politician who was working in New Delhi when lockdown was suddenly imposed overnight in the largest democracy in the world.
Gaurav in Jhansi
Alessia in Dublin
Italian Alessia works as a pharmacist in her adopted home-country Ireland. As Covid-19 starts making headlines in Europe, she has her eyes fixed on the two countries: Will Italy's healthcare system cope? And will Ireland heed the warning signs in time to prevent a crisis?
Alessia in Dublin
Seamus in Melbourne
Seamus is 13 years old and lives with his family in Melbourne, Australia. After returning from camp in the outback, he suddenly found his country in lockdown.
Seamus in Melbourne
Marie in Paris
Culinary student Marie was completing her studies when Paris went into lockdown. After an intense weekend of exams, she was left stuck inside - in the food metropolis of the world.
Marie in Paris