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Refugee Week
To mark this year's Refugee Week, BFI and Counterpoints Arts have compiled a collection of films that explore refugee experiences in the past and present and across different parts of the world.
The collection includes the 1938 portrayal of the persecution of refugees in Europe and Asia; Robert Vas' beautiful account of a Hungarian refugee's first day in London; and Syrian Love Story, the powerful and acclaimed story of a couple brought together by the conflict in Syria. Refugee Week is an international festival of arts, cultural and educational events that celebrate the contributions and diversity that refugees bring, and encourages a better understanding between communities.
A Syrian Love Story A Syrian Love Story
Documentary 2015 76 mins Director: Sean McAllister
The inspiring journey towards freedom of Raghda and Amer, a couple brought together by the turmoil of the Syrian Civil War.
Johnny on the Run Johnny on the Run
Children's 1953 68 mins Director: Lewis Gilbert
A Polish refugee runs into trouble with two scheming thieves in this superb early work from illustrious British director Lewis Gilbert (Alfie, You Only Live Twice).
She, a Chinese She, a Chinese
Drama 2010 99 mins Director: Xiaolu Guo
British-Chinese director Xiaolu Guo’s story of a young woman's journey from a remote Chinese village to London, in an attempt to realise the Western consumer dream.
Black Girl Black Girl
Drama 1965 59 mins Director: Ousmane Sembène
The first major work by African master Ousmane Sembène, about a Senegalese maid’s despair, brims with both New Wave vitality and African heart.
Stromboli, Land of God Stromboli, Land of God
Drama 1950 100 mins Director: Roberto Rossellini
In her first collaboration with Roberto Rossellini, Ingrid Bergman stars as a refugee who marries a fisherman and moves to a barren island.
Welcome to Britain Welcome to Britain
Documentary 1976 73 mins Director: Ben Lewin
Ben Lewin’s 1976 film captures a moment in Britain's evergreen immigration debate, focusing on new arrivals at Heathrow as they wrestle with immigration law.
More Refugee Week films in our Free collection.
More Refugee Week films in our Rentals collection.