Miguel Angel Amortegui

Miguel Amortegui is an extraordinary storyteller who transforms untold narratives into compelling messages of hope, humanity, and resilience.

With a multifaceted career spanning photography, filmmaking, investigative journalism, participatory photography, and psychotherapy, Miguel’s work bridges art and advocacy to ignite empathy and inspire transformation.

Miguel’s storytelling journey has taken him across the globe, collaborating with a diverse array of organizations, including the BBC, ODI, Christian Aid, PhotoVoice, and the Botswana High Commission, among others. His photographs and films have been exhibited in the UK, Europe, the United States, Africa, and South America, where they continue to provoke thought and galvanize action.

At the heart of Miguel’s work lies his passion for giving a voice to the voiceless. He has worked in some of the world’s most challenging environments, including orphanages for child soldiers in Congo and Uganda, gang- and knife-affected communities in London, and refugee camps like the infamous “Jungle” in Calais, France. There, he lived for over a year in his car to deliver projects to refugees, collect stories, and create a photography book documenting his experiences. His groundbreaking participatory photography projects empower marginalized individuals to tell their own stories, reclaim their dignity, and challenge the narratives imposed by society.

Miguel’s experience in the Calais refugee camp inspired his book, Voices of the Jungle. This powerful collection of testimonies captures the humanity of refugees striving for a better life and challenges mainstream portrayals of displacement. His work from Calais earned him an invitation to address the United Nations General Assembly, where he brought these voices to a global audience.

As a trained psychotherapist specializing in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Miguel seamlessly integrates trauma-informed care into his creative practice. He firmly believes in the healing power of storytelling, using his platform to help survivors reclaim agency over their narratives and find resilience in the face of adversity.

Miguel is also a sought-after speaker, delivering transformative talks such as The New Quixotes in Search for Utopia. These sessions inspire audiences to see the world through a lens of compassion, explore the power of human connection, and believe in the possibility of a brighter future.

Outside of his professional pursuits, Miguel is a rock climber, motorcycle enthusiast, sea swimmer, and adventurer at heart—often accompanied by his oversized dog, Rocky. This adventurous spirit mirrors his fearless approach to storytelling and life.

Miguel Amortegui’s work is a testament to the power of narrative to heal, transform, and inspire action. Through his lens and his words, he champions the beauty of human resilience and the importance of building a world rooted in empathy and dignity.