Films without Borders

A two day festival of independent film and discussion exploring migration, borders and human rights.

Star & Shadow Cinema, Newcastle

Saturday 27 January: Exploring Migration

12:00 Lunch

12:30 Film: Si nos Dejan, (If they let us), Ana Tores, Barcelona, 2005, 75min

An excellent documentary mapping the experiences of migrants living in Barcelona. Based on real interviews, this upbeat film tells the stories of people looking for something, coming with hope. With its fast rhythm & sharp approach, Si nos Dejan is a powerful insight into the diverse range of experiences of people living without permission.

14:00 Film: The Other Europe [TBC, subject to license]

This film takes the viewer across Europe to illustrate the central dilemma of the film: the fact that many Europeans feel they are victims, 'drowned' by a 'tide' of immigrants. But is that an accurate picture?

16:00 Discussion, with Teresa Hayter, author of Open Borders: The Case Against Immigration Controls, who will give an overview of the immigration system in Britain: how it works, its implications & its effects on people. Plus questions & answers.

16:45 Film: Fears and Tears, Peter Mutando, Leeds 2006, 20min

Produced by a Zimbabwean film maker seeking asylum in Leeds, this is a moving & comprehensive depiction of the journey of an asylum seeker: from the hard decision to flee, to surviving destitution & isolation in the asylum process. Followed by short films tackling racism, asylum & identity, made by migrants living in Newcastle.

17:30 Reflecting Session: An opportunity to express thoughts & comments relating to the films & discussions.

19:00 Social Without Frontiers:

Sunday 28 January: Exploring Action

Films & workshops exploring visible & invisible manifestations of migration control: how it works & who profits, action against human rights abuses, & in support of justice for migrants.

11:00 Film: Visit Dungavel: Monster of the Glen, 2005, Camcorder Guerrillas, 25 mins

Imagine escaping persecution in your own country, only to be locked up without trial in the UK. Dungavel is one of several Immigration Detention Centres across the UK. This is a shocking, funny & informative film about detention & what to do about it!

No Lagers, European Anti-Lager Campaign, 2006, 39mins

Footage from the frontline of campaigns against detention centres across Europe. Followed by discussion

12:30 Lunch

13:00 Discussion: Migrant Rights

A discussion of the various policies that lead to violations of human rights and the actions against them, highlighting the campaign for the right to work for asylum seekers and fighting destitution and segregation. With speakers from local groups.

14:00 Film: Justice For Cleaners: Victory! Reel News, London, 2006 13 min

Migrant workers in London organize for decent pay.

14:30 – 15.30 Discussion: Self-organization and Solidarity

How can communities support each other to bring about change? Examining the cases of the Glasgow Refugee Union UNITY, and local examples of self-organization amongst asylum seekers in Newcastle.

16:00 Discussion and action footage: No Borders!

An introduction to the case for open borders & how it relates to the struggle against the injustices of the immigration system. Speakers from No Borders! & other UK campaigns.

16:45 Plenary Session: Thoughts, reflections, questions,& mapping ideas for action¦

17.30 Festival close and final film. Audience vote: Choose one from a selection of uplifting, positive films related to the festival themes.

The festival is open to everyone, we welcome contributions to discussions and workshops. For more info, or to get involved, please email parodeia000@yahoo.co.uk

£1 to join the cinema. Then pay per film, or weekend pass £5. Free for asylum seekers. No-one turned away through lack of funds. Donations welcome, any profits will be used to support asylum seekers.

Updates will be posted on the Star & Shadow website at http://www.starandshadow.org.uk/

The Star And Shadow Cinema is on the corner of Stepney Bank and Crawhall Road, Newcastle, opposite the Tanners pub.

The nearest Metro is Manors (7min walk).

Buses 12, 21, 22, 39, 40, 62, 63 & N12 all drop you right outside.

You can lock your bike inside the cinema.