Stanzen Leh Jelsma

From a young age, I've been fascinated by power structures and international relations, particularly in the Middle East and Africa. I've always been drawn to the stories behind the headlines. In 2018, I volunteered in Ilula, Tanzania, an experience that deepened my understanding of global inequality and strengthened my drive to pursue journalism with empathy and curiosity.

My work focuses on migration and the deeper causes behind why people flee. Through in-depth investigations, photography, and documentary storytelling, I aim to give a voice to those who are often unheard. My approach is rooted in trust and compassion: I conduct meaningful interviews that allow people to share their experiences openly and authentically.

Over the years, I've explored topics ranging from the protests in Iran and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to the experiences of refugees crossing the Mediterranean. I have produced several documentaries, including my most recent film, From Compassion to Crime, in which I examine how humanitarian work and criminalization intersect in the context of migration.

My ambition is to specialize further in investigative journalism, focusing on underreported stories and the human impact of geopolitical decisions.

People often describe me as goal-oriented and decisive, with a strong sense of humanity and justice — qualities I bring to every story I tell.