What to Watch and Read in Refugee Week 2024
Refugee Week is here. This is a time to:
Celebrate the contributions refugees make to the UK.
Build bridges of understanding between communities.
Develop empathy for displaced populations forced to flee their homes.
We want you to connect with the human stories, which is why we've curated a selection of powerful stories you can explore at your own pace.
Drift (2023)
In this feature film, Jacqueline, a Liberian woman, escapes the war in her home country and arrives on a Greek island.
With no money and alone, she struggles to survive, haunted by the trauma of her past.
The film received a nomination for a British Independent Film Award, delving into themes such as displacement and the transformative power of human connection.
Where to watch: Available to rent or buy on Amazon Prime Video.
2. The Swimmers (2022)
This feature film depicts the true story of Yusra and Sarah Mardini, two Syrian sisters, both talented swimmers, as they flee Damascus during the Syrian civil war.
The escape from Syria and the challenges faced as refugees are depicted in a suspenseful and dramatic way.
Despite the difficult circumstances, the film celebrates the power of hope, determination, and the pursuit of dreams.
Where to watch: Netflix
3. We are all birds of Uganda (2021)
This novel intertwines the journeys of Hasan, a successful Indian businessman in the 1960s Uganda, and Sameer, a young lawyer of Ugandan Asian descent living in present-day London.
Sameer embarks on a journey to understand his family's legacy of displacement, confronting the enduring impact of migration.
Where to purchase: Amazon, Waterstones, WHSmith.
4. The Story of HQ (2023)
Originally from Iraq, HQ relocated to the Netherlands as a refugee in 1997.
This short online blog follows her journey up to her current career as a Community Interpreter in the UK.
It captures a story of resilience and adaptation, and it’s an inspiring journey for those who want to use their language and culture as a profession.
Where to read: Vandu Languages.
5. Home and miracles away from it (2023)
Nigerian poet and storyteller, Valentine Onyeka Ogunaka, also known as OV Onyeka or Brainbox, captured his perspective on forced migration in this short poetry film.
The poem highlights the emotions that arise as a result of displacement, and celebrates the achievements and true stories of refugees around the world.
Where to watch: UNHCR Nigeria’s YouTube Channel
6. Danielle: Chronicles of a Superheroine (2019)
A young girl uses her intelligence and accelerating technologies to solve the world’s biggest challenges.
This novel, aimed particularly at children and teenagers, explores the fictional story of Danielle, who possesses a strong sensitivity to different cultures and passionately organises action plans to drive real change around her.
Where to purchase: Danielle World, Amazon | Google Play Books or Apple Books for audiobook.
Remember, every action counts. By reading or watching these stories, you can gain a deeper understanding of their firsthand experiences of refugees and forced migrants – the challenges they've faced, and the new world they're building.
About Vandu Training
Vandu Training is an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Training and Consultancy Provider, helping organisations instigate positive change in their work culture.
Our expert-led sessions cover a diverse range of topics, each tailored to address critical issues and promote understanding and awareness.
We invite you to explore our webpage for more information about our EDI courses or to read other informative blogs like this one.