Ger Duany

Ger Duany is a South Sudanese-American actor, model, author, and humanitarian known for his work in film, refugee advocacy, and global humanitarian efforts. Born in Akobo, South Sudan, Duany experienced the impact of Sudan's north-south civil war, becoming separated from his family and recruited as a child soldier. At 14, he escaped to Ethiopia and was later resettled in the United States from the Dadaab refugee camp in Kenya. Upon arrival, Duany learned English and completed a college education, earning a Bachelor of Science in human services.

Duany's entry into the entertainment industry began after he moved to the United States. He initially pursued basketball, which led to a college scholarship, but an injury shifted his focus. During this period, he was cast in a David O. Russell film, which launched his acting and modeling career. Duany made his film debut in the philosophical comedy "I Heart Huckabees," portraying a refugee named Stephen Nimieri. He later appeared in "The Fighter" and played a significant role in the drama "Restless City." Duany gained wider recognition for his leading role in "The Good Lie," a film depicting the challenges faced by refugees resettling in the United States. He also appeared in "Goodbye Julia," the first Sudanese film presented in the Un Certain Regard section at the Cannes Film Festival.

Duany co-produced and starred in the documentary film "Ger: To Be Separate," which chronicles his journey from war child to refugee, actor, and international model. The documentary includes his return to South Sudan after nearly two decades, where he participated in the country's independence celebrations. As a model, Duany has been featured on the covers of magazines such as Heed, Bleu Magazine, and Numéro. He is also the author of the memoir "Walk Towards the Rising Sun: From Child Soldier to Ambassador of Peace," detailing his experiences in southern Sudan and his role as a Goodwill Ambassador.

Duany was named a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) for the East and Horn of Africa Region. Drawing on his personal experience as one of the Sudanese "lost boys" and as a former refugee, Duany advocates for the rights and well-being of displaced people worldwide. He has spoken at events including the Social Good Summit in New York, Tokyo Film Festival, UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Awards, TEDx, and the Annual Consultations on Resettlement and Complementary Pathways in Geneva. Duany has also participated in the Refugee Congress on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., and the UNHCR High Commissioner's Dialogue on Protection Challenges in Geneva. He has served on the board of directors of the Norwegian Refugee Council in Washington, D.C., supporting humanitarian initiatives for displaced populations. Through his work in film, literature, public speaking, and humanitarian advocacy, Duany addresses issues related to refugees, displacement, and global human rights.