‘My Wales’ at the Wales International Documentary Festival 2018’
Diverse Cymru are pleased to announce that we will be part of the Wales International Documentary Festival that is taking place at the
Blackwood Miners' Institute from the 18th until the 20th April.
On Thursday the 19th April, Diverse Cymru will be pre-viewing our Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) commissioned film ‘My Wales’ with a Q&A to discuss the film’s production and content and an African drumming workshop.
As part of our contribution to the festival, we will also provide individuals from diverse backgrounds the opportunity to meet organisations from within the creative industries, and provide advice on where the industry advertises and promotes its employment and training opportunities. This will include information on Diverse Cymru’s new Creative Skillset HETV Levy Bursary Scheme.
Diverse Cymru was commissioned by the Equality and Human Rights Commission in Wales to create a series of films that highlight the issues and promote the positive stories of Asylum Seekers and Refugees in Wales.
Created by filmmaker Tara Wyllie, ‘My Wales: Stories of Sanctuary’ is a journey through towns and cities across Wales, meeting the men and women, young and old, who arrived in this green and pleasant land, through seeking asylum in the UK. People from Syria, Pakistan, Nigeria, Cameroon, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Uganda, Eritrea, Iran and Albania tell their own bitter sweet stories of resilience, trust and hope. From football to poetry, mountains to music, we learn what life is like living in Wales and what Welsh life means to these story tellers. We experience with them, their everyday lives as they learn a new language, the ups and downs of family life in a new country, making new friends and making opportunities for themselves and their loved ones. Above all, the film is about keeping hope and aspiration alive after a life of persecution and uncertainty, whilst still facing challenging times and an uncertain future.
What to expect on the day: Thursday 19th April.
12.45 – 13.00 A welcome from Diverse Cymru
13.00 – 13.45 African drumming workshop led by Severin, a refugee featured in the film.
14.00 – 14.35 ‘My Wales: Stories of Sanctuary’ Asylum Seekers and Refugees in Wales, in their own words.
14.35 – 15.15 Discussion session with film makers and participants. How the film was made; engaging and involving ‘hard to reach’ communities in the process.
15.15 – 16.00 “Paths into the industry” How to get a foot in the door and why.
16.00 – 16.30 Launch of Diverse Cymru Creative Skillset HETV Levy Bursary Scheme
Throughout the day there will be opportunities to mingle and get information on the current opportunities available within film and TV in Wales. There will also be advice on where the industry advertises and promotes its opportunities.
This is a free event and we would appreciate it if you could confirm your attendance (and numbers) in a short e-mail tomichael.flynn@diverse.cymru as space in the cinema is limited.
Wales International Documentary Festival
Wales International Documentary Festival invites you to watch the best documentary films of the year. The programme from 18th to 20th April includes masterclasses and networking events with industry experts and takes places in Blackwood. There's an exciting line up of films from all over the world in this year's festival and events, parties and gigs to complement the screenings. This includes a preview screening of Welsh feature, "My Grandfather The Spy" and landmark historical documentary "The Dragon Has Two Tongues" with Q&A with director Colin Thomas.
For more information on the festival and for tickets, please visit: http://www.widf.info/
Michael Flynn
FRSA
Diverse Cymru Projects Advisor
