Esme Peach and Julia Ravenscroft from Refugee Action are delighted to be among those attending the premiere of a film tonight, about a life-changing scheme which helps families in refugee camps around the world to resettle in safe countries. Joining them will be Peter Yoak from Sudan, a Refugee Action client, who was resettled with his family in Bolton in 2006.
The Channel 4 documentary ‘Moving to Mars’, opens Sheffield Doc/ Fest, the prestigious international documentary film festival today. The documentary charts the arrivals and the first year of two Burmese families from a refugee camp in Thailand where they had lived for many years after escaping their country’s brutal regime. The families in the film were brought to Sheffield as part of the Gateway Protection Programme, a joint UN and Home Office scheme which resettles some of the world’s most vulnerable refugees.
In the film, director Mat Whitecross gains a great insight into the daily lives of the Burmese families and captures moments of frustration, beauty and revelation before they reach common ground.
Mat said: “Despite the fact that so many refugees are fleeing from persecution, they are often reduced to statistics and negative stereotyping. This film is an attempt to counter that trend and to portray them as individuals, undergoing a courageous, difficult and sometimes humorous journey.”
Peter, who arrived in 2006, said: “I was so grateful to be resettled in Bolton, where people have been so friendly and welcoming. However, it was still a culture shock and it took some time for my family and I to get used to our new town. I am proud to be attending this important film. It is vital that the Gateway Protection Programme continues to go from strength to strength.”
When Peter arrived in Bolton, he received help and support from Refugee Action resettlement workers, who helped him and his family to rebuild their lives for the first year. He is now studying psychology and community studies, and is planning to go to university next year. He also works as a cleaner and volunteers as a mediator in the community.
He said: “The help of Refugee Action and the welcome we had from the people of Bolton was vital so that I, my wife and children could adopt Bolton as our new home and give something back to the community.”
Rick Jones, our Gateway Protection Programme manager, said: “Having been offered sanctuary in Bolton, the refugees we have worked with have gone on to contribute enormously to the town through work, education and volunteering. We are delighted that this film has been made so that others can learn about the benefits of this scheme and about the experiences of refugees.”
To read more about the film go to www.movingtomarsfilm.com
Posted by Sara Ayech