Images and text by volunteer Stephen Sillett,
using Macromedia Contribute 2
Film
Night Summer 2004
26
May 2004 - Film event at University of Wales, Newport
A Film Evening jointly hosted by University of Wales, Newport
(Prifysgol Cymru, Casnewydd) and Newport and District Refugee
Support Group to celebrate Refugee Week.
A very warm and pleasurable gathering of around 100 Refugees,
Support workers, Students and General Public at the University
of Wales, Newport. Many thanks to the staff of the University,
especially Rachel for organising the large screen CD ROM viewing
facility. After the films everybody especially enjoyed the
food and refreshments prepared by Refugees. Stuffed peppers
and meat stuffing wrapped in cabbage leaf was a delight to
the pallatte. The sweet table definately provided sustenance
for the four discussion groups as they tackled ten questions
set by Emmy. Each group considered the perception of and experiences
of Refugees. Some of the feedback from the discussion group
which was presented to a forum of around 50 people can be
see here
This event was, like so many other of the activities was also
enjoyed by the children. Thank you to those volunteers who
gave thier time to spend with the children in the Creche. This
invaluable help enables families of refugees to come out together
and get involved in community activity.
The first of the World Cinema Films was:
'Shadi in the beautiful Well'
Directed by Mahdi Fleifel International Film School Wales
Tells the story of an autistic boy living in a Palestinian
Refugee Camp. This is a highly original film. The director
does well to capture the reality of Palestinian accommodation.
Cymru Wales has announced Shadi in the Beautiful Well as this
year's winner
of the DM Davies award, one of the most coveted short film
prizes in Europe
"In this World"
"In
This World", is a political and poigniant film directed
by Micheal Winterbottom, follows two young Afghan boys as
they make thier way from a refugee camp in Pakistan to Britain.
The film traces thier journey across Iran, Turkey and into
Europe and thier treatment at the hands of unscrupolous people
smuglers.
‘In This World’ Shines Light on Refugee Life'
Jaclyn Mosher
Courtesy Sundance Film Series
LONE TRAVELLER: Udin Torabi stars in this moving portrayal
of refugee life.
An adoring young boy follows his older brother, hoping to
goad him into playing a game. The older boy, normally eager
and playful, brushes off his little brother, shouting at him,
“Go home!” The younger boy thinks this is all
part of the game and continues to follow his brother, giggling
and pulling at his clothes. All of a sudden, a man steps out
in front of the little boy, blocking his way. The laughter
stops as the boy realizes that his brother will not turn around.
His brother is not coming back. This affecting scene appears
early in British director Michael Winterbottom’s intensely
moving new film In This World, which follows two young Afghan
refugees as they make the harrowing journey from Pakistan
to London.
One of the attendees was impressed at the sensitive way that
the issues were addressed.
"The film really brought home to me the terror and
uncertainty surrounding asylum seekers as they try to travel
the miles upon miles from their own country to the 'safety'
of Britain. I can't even begin to imagine how it would feel
to be be shut in a pitch dark and claustrophobic container,
in the back of a lorry, for almost two days during the trip.
My heart goes out to all those whose lives are lost on the
way, and for those who survived the trip but with haunting
memories of the terrors of life in their own countries.'
Liz Braby (Newport Museum & Art Galley).
'In This World', does not cut corners, it reveals the
desperation of those who are seeking asylum. It is always
difficult to portray the cruel circumstances experienced through
the refugees transition without being over romantic and sentimental.
What this film reveals is that 'the grass is no greener' over
there but for only a few who can escape political persecution
and torture, it seems worth it to risk the sometimes deadly
journey.'
"In
This World", is a political and poigniant film directed
by Micheal Winterbottom, follows two young Afghan boys as
they make thier way from a refugee camp in Pakistan to Britain.
The film traces thier journey across Iran, Turkey and into
Europe and thier treatment at the hands of unscrupolous people
smuglers.
