Copyright University of Glasgow 2012.The University of Glasgow, charity number SC004401

Film stills kindly provided courtesy of distributioncompanies/directors:

Film Name Director/DistributorClare's / Graham's story Gameli TordzroThe Moon is Jewish WFDiF Belarusian Waltz Kudos FamilySanctuary Abigail Howkins Beyond Prejudice Johannes ParkkonenNickel City Smiler Chance Encounter ProductionsVodka Factory Hysteria Film AB Our School Mona NicoaraKauwboy Waterland FilmMare Chiuso ZaLab

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www.glasgow.ac.uk/gramnet www.bemis.org.uk

Sponsored by GRAMNet, and BEMIS GRAMNetFilm Series 2012/13

Screenings Brochure

www.glasgow.ac.uk/gramnet

Date

17 Oct

22 Nov

05 Dec

16 Jan

06 Feb

20 Mar

17 April

15 May

19 Jun

Screening

Clare’s Story (2012)Graham’s Story (2012)

The Moon is Jewish (2011)

Belarusian Waltz (2007)

Sanctuary (2009)Beyond Prejudice (2011)

Nickel City Smiler (2010)

Vodka Factory (2011)

Our School (2011)

Kauwboy (2012)

Mare Chiuso (2012)

Observance

Black History Month

International Day For Tolerance

Human Rights Day

International Migrants Day

World Day Of Social Justice

United Nations Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace

International Romani Day

International Day of Families

World Refugee Day

The 2012/2013 Film Series organised in partnership betweenGRAMNet (Glasgow Refugee and Asylum Network) and BEMIS(Black and Ethnic Minorities Infrastructure in Scotland).This year we will showcase films and documentaries that featurethemes of integration and exclusion, both within communitiesand a larger political context. With an emphasis on the socialand political concerns of contemporary Central and EasternEurope, and in particular the role of the individual in a hostileand stifling environment, our central ethos this year isOne Voice, Heard Worldwide. Following each film, invited localorganisations and community groups will suggest positiveactions that can be undertaken locally to address one or more ofthe issues raised in each film. Through this format we aim topromote active citizenship and human rights education.

Screenings are accompanied by forums and Q&A for everyoneto share their views and thoughts in a friendly and supportiveatmosphere. The audience is warmly invited to congregate in theCentre for Contemporary Arts (CCA) Cafe following eachscreening to continue our informal discussions.

Events are free of charge and open to everyone.

Sponsored by GRAMNet and BEMIS with the support of the Centre for Russian,Central and East European Studies (CRCEES)

ProgrammeN

OTE

: Doors open at 5.30pm

, for 6pm start for all screenings

Clare’s Story/Graham’s StoryDocumentary: Scotland (2012),Producer|Director|Music by: Gameli TordzroRunning Time: 24 mins|30 mins

Our vocation is against allunconnectedness. It a call createa way again. Where foundationshave been assaulted anddestroyed, where restoration hasbeen made impossible, simply tocreate a way!

The majority of the Africans in the Scottish Diasporacome from different backgrounds and contexts:those who have come here as professionals,students, migrant workers, refugees, asylumseekers and their dependents. All too often thereare negative perceptions which are tied to thediscourse of the 'fight for migrant rights' with afocus on the socio-economic implications of thegrowing demographics of non-EU migrants. Thisdoes not take into account the range of skills,expertise, knowledge, talents as well as the culturalwealth they contribute.

There remains a constant need and search forappropriate media for self expression within thisgrowing African Diaspora in Scotland; to increaseactive involvement of the migrant population.Harnessing the artistic and cultural wealth of theAfrican community in Scotland can contribute tothe development of an inclusive Scotland.

The Life Stories series uncovers untold stories ofstruggles, fears, aspirations, resilience,determination, excellence and successes ofimmigrants from African communities living inScotland.

Clare Robertson shares her love for music, familyand community as well as her contribution to theScottish society as a community arts and culturalprofessional with Glasgow City Council.

Graham reveals his experiences as a poet, musician,issues on immigration to integration, friendship,school days memories of North London and howthat has shaped his career experience of in Glasgow.

The production of the two episodes was funded by Awards for AllScotland 2011

PAASFest 2012, is a collaborative project bringing together multiplepartners and participants to deliver a highly visible performance artsprogramme in public spaces. For information on the annual PAASFest,please visit: www.panafricanartsscotland.org.uk

Wednesday17 October 2012 - 2012/13 series launch

Film SynopsisNOTE: Doors open at 5.30pm, for 6pm start

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Thursday22 November 2012The Moon is JewishDocumentary: Poland (2011) Director: Michał TkaczyńskiRunning Time: 45 mins

A subculture of football fans and Judaism – can anyone imagine astronger antagonism? Paweł, a former skinhead, used to build hisidentity on hatred. Yet several years ago he underwent a spiritualtransformation and became an Orthodox Jew. This challengingdocumentary is a thought-provoking study in both conflicted identityand the complexities of self discovery, as Paweł attempts hisintegration into a new world following the discovery that his familywas Jewish.

Abandoning both the friends and lifestyle that had come to definehim as a young man, Paweł finds himself isolated from the ties to hispast, yet once again cast as the outsider in Warsaw’s tiny Jewishcommunity. Directed by Michał Tkaczyński, The Moon is Jewish is afascinating look at the personal reconciliation of two diametricallyopposed identities, and the social and religious bonds that shapeour sense of self.

AwardsSelected for the Warsaw Phoenix Awardat the Jewish Motifs InternationalFilm Festival

Wednesday05 December 2012

Belarusian WaltzDocumentary: Norway|Poland (2007)Director: Andrej FidykRunning time: 74 mins

[This film contains adult themes]

Belarusian Waltz is the controversial story ofAlexander Pushkin, whose audacious, comicalexploits have earned him the hostility of thepolice and the consternation of his family. Anoffbeat tale in which post-modern street theatremeets 1930s-style authoritarianism, the filmoffers a surprising window into the soul of theBelarusian people.

Belarus has been called “Europe’s lastdictatorship.” Since 1994, AlexanderLukashenko has ruled the ex-Soviet republicwith a despotic hand, jailing the opposition,shutting down the press and refusing toinvestigate the assassinations of dissidents.He has virtually silenced his critics – except forone lone performance artist who stages publicstunts mocking the dictator’s pretensions.

As Pushkin uses his stunts to attempt toreawaken political and historical awarenessamong his compatriots, a secondary narrativeemerges of the protagonist himself that isincreasingly more complex than that of a moraland political crusader. Driven in part by ego andcontroversially glorifying as heroes the Nazicollaborators in World War Two, Pushkin’scampaign against what he describes as a“totalitarian neo-Stalinist collective fascism” isalso a fascinating exploration of the self in apolitically and socially hostile environment.

Awards

European Film Academy Award for Best Documentary

Wednesday16 January 2013SanctuaryDocumentary: Scotland (2009) Director: Abigail HowkinsRunning time: 21 mins

Sanctuary tells the stories of six asylum seekers and refugees living in Glasgow, and aims to addressthe stigma and discrimination often experienced by asylum seekers and refugees. With Glasgowhosting increasing numbers of asylum seekers and refugees over the last few years, it was considereda priority to ensure the mental health of this social group. With stigma and discrimination often anissue, there is a reluctance for people with mental health issues to seek help within these communities.A high quality film capturing the narratives of asylum seekers and refugees.

"See the person, not the problem"... This quotefrom the film-makers summarises the contributionof 'Beyond Prejudice' to our understanding ofmental health issues for black and minority ethniccommunities in Scotland. 'Beyond Prejudice'explores the lived experiences of those whosuffer from mental illness from ethnic minoritygroups. In particular, those who have overcomedepression are interviewed. Many of thoseinterviewed highlight the value of being activeoutside of the home, and identify that interaction,socialisation, and regaining an enthusiasm for lifethat was lost are important factors in recovery.The need for shared support amongst ethnicminority individuals suffering from mental illnessis presented in the film, and identifies that thosewho have recovered have a great deal ofknowledge and experience to equip them tosupport others. 'Beyond Prejudice' addressesmedical and non-medical interventions in aidingrecovery, and emphasises that finding anindividual identity, and a voice, are important forall those who have recovered from mental illnessin black and ethnic minority communities.

Beyond Prejudice Documentary: Scotland (2011)Created by 'see me' in partnership with VOX and GAMHRunning time: 13 mins

Wednesday06 February 2013 Nickel City Smiler Documentary: USA (2010)Directors: Scott Murchie, Brett WilliamsRunning time: 103 mins

Nickel City Smiler chronicles a refugee's fight forsurvival and hope in the American Rust Belt. InBurma, Smiler Greely fought against the brutalmilitary government, who attacked, tortured,raped and murdered thousands of the country’sethnic minorities. After spending more than 20years in the confinement of a refugee camp,Smiler and his family were selected forresettlement in the United States and assigned tolive in Buffalo, New York.

Nickel City Smiler documents the strugglesSmiler’s family and the refugee communityencounter on the streets of one of America’spoorest cities. Forced to fight against poverty,violence and bureaucracy, Smiler battles for thehopes and hearts of his people.

Wednesday17 April 2013

Our SchoolDocumentary: USA|Switzerland|RomaniaDirector: Mona Nicoara, Miruna Coca-CozmaRunning time: 94 mins

Our School follows three Roma (commonly knownas "Gypsy") children in a rural Transylvanian villagewho are among the pioneer participants in aninitiative to integrate the ethnically segregatedRomanian schools. When their school isdesegregated, Alin, Benjamin, and Dana set out forthe city school, optimistic for education and newfriendships, even as funds earmarked for integrationare questionably used to build a "Roma-only"school in their village. Their innocent optimismquickly sours when the children are met with lowexpectations and further isolation.

Shot over four years, the filmmakers' tender portraitof rural village life and its rhythms fosters an intimacyin the children's profound reality and admiration fortheir indomitable spirit, punctuated by shockinginstances of prejudice and ignorance. Their storytouches on issues ranging from institutionalizedracism, public education, and the intractability ofpoverty, culminating in an outrageous finale thatcements the Roma children's struggle in the annalsof egregious human rights violations. Our School isan absorbing, infuriating, and ultimately bittersweetstory of tradition and progress.

Awards

Grand Jury Prize for Best US Feature (SilverDocs 2011)Best International Feature(Human Rights Arts and Film 2012)

Wednesday15 May 2013

KauwboyDrama: Netherlands (2012)Director: Boudewijn KooleRunning time: 81 mins

Ten-year-old Jojo lives alone with his securityguard father, a sometimes erratic man of fewwords. Missing his absent mother, a countrysinger, Jojo finds solace in an unexpectedfriendship with an abandoned baby jackdaw.Kauwboy offers a tender portrait of a young boytrying to come to terms with a family that’s notwhat it once was, and struggling to find abalance between reality and desire. Unafraid ofsadness or conflict, this beautifully cinematic,bittersweet film sensitively explores issues ofloss and sorrow, whilst painting a joyfully upbeatpicture of acceptance and love.

Directed by Boudewijn Koole, Kauwboypremiered at the 2012 Berlin Film Festival,where it won the award for Best First Featureand the Generation Kplus Grand Prix. Kauwboyis also the Dutch candidate for Best ForeignLanguage Film at the 2013 Academy Awards

Awards

Best Feature Film (Berlin Film Festival 2012)

Wednesday 20 March 2013Vodka Factory Documentary: Sweden|Poland|FranceDirector: Jerzy SladkowskiRunning time: 89 mins

“I’m a silly person, but sensitive too,” declaresValya, the 22-year-old single mother who works ina local vodka factory and lives with her mother inthe backwoods Russian town of Zhigulyovsk.There’s no future here: there’s nothing to do butdrink and all the men are deadbeats. Ambivalentabout caring for her son, the comely, heavilymascaraed Valya escapes the brutal banality ofher reality by dreaming of becoming an actress inMoscow. But in realizing her dream, she wouldnot only be abandoning her son, she’d bedestroying her mother’s: Fifty-year-old Tatianafinally has a chance at love when an old flamere-enters her life. Filmed like fiction and imbuedwith the gorgeous melancholy of crushed dreams,award-winning Vodka Factory is a stunninglyintimate reflection on the price of dreams.

AwardsGolden Dove for Best Feature Length Documentary(DOK Leipzig)

BEMIS(Empowering Ethnic andCultural Communities)

BEMIS is the Ethnic Minorities lednational umbrella organisation forthe Ethnic Minority Voluntary Sector& the communities that this sectorrepresents. As a strategic nationalinfrastructure organisation, BEMISaims to empower the diverse EthnicMinority third sector. We arecommitted to promoting inclusion,democratic active citizenship, andrecognition of diversity, humanrights education, and widerrepresentation. Our vision is of aScotland that is Equal, Inclusive,and Responsive: A society wherepeople from the diversecommunities are valued, treatedwith dignity and respect, haveequal citizenship, opportunities andquality of life, and who activelyparticipate in civic society.

Glasgow OfficeThe Centrum Building, Third Floor,38 Queen Street Glasgow G1 3DX

Tel: +44 (0)141 548 8047 Fax: +44 (0)141 548 8284E-mail: mail@bemis.org.uk www.bemis.org.uk

CCA(Centre for Contemporary Arts)

The CCA is a unique contemporaryarts organisation at the heart ofGlasgow's city centre and vibrantcultural community. With aneclectic programme offering visualarts, music, film, talks andperformance, there's alwayssomething interesting going on.Fast developing a reputation forworld class improvised,experimental and electronic music,CCA also screens independentshort, foreign and documentaryfilms otherwise unavailable acrossthe city.

CCA350 Sauchiehall StreetGlasgow G2 3JD

tel: +44 (0)141 352 4900fax: +44 (0)141 332 3226www.cca-glasgow.com

AccessThere is level access to CCA fromSauchiehall Street. All upper levelsare fully accessible by lift. There isan induction loop at the Sales andInformation desk and CCA4.

GRAMNetA new approach to migration

GRAMNet brings togetherresearchers and practitioners,NGOs (non governmentalorganisations) and policy makersconcerned with migration issues inScotland and beyond. The researchinitiative, currently involvingUniversities from all over the world,focuses on migrants, asylumseekers and refugees. The networkprovides a forum through whichpolicy makers and academics canwork together to connectcommunities through knowledgeexchange, research anddevelopment. The city of Glasgowis host to the largest population ofrefugees and asylum seekersunder the UK Government’sdispersal policy and also has ahistory of attracting largecommunities of migrants. GRAMNetaims to build a context for the studyof migrant communities based onthe city’s unique position.

GRAMNet11 The Square,University of Glasgow,Glasgow G12 8QQ

E-mail: gramadmin@glasgow.ac.uk www.glasgow.ac.uk/gramnet

Our HistoryGRAMNet formally launched in early 2010 following a unique workshop aimed to assess the potential forestablishing a network on a cross-cutting research theme addressing migration, asylum and refugees. The eventengaged knowledge exchange partners in the public and third sector to identify themes and co-design potentialfuture work for a research network in this field.

Based at, and supported by the University of Glasgow, GRAMNet has now established Glasgow as one of theleading centres for integrated research and knowledge exchange in the field of migration, refugee and asylumstudies. Nationally and internationally amongst scholars, NGOs, public bodies and civic organizations GRAMNet’sapproach and work has found resonance. A raft of new projects are being developed to address public needsand problems identified by partners where working together will enhance understanding and action.

One of the network’s major accomplishments is our annual Film Series hosted by the Glasgow CCA, organisedin partnership with BEMIS. Our audience is from diverse academic, organisational and societal backgrounds,and continually shifts in response to the context explored in each screening. The Series provides a safe spacefor people to present their views and perspectives and successfully integrates local and global narrativesthrough the use of film produced both internationally and locally.

About us

Wednesday19 June 2013Mare Chiuso (Closed Sea)Documentary: Italy (2012)Director: Andrea Segre, Stefano LibertiRunning time: 60 mins

Since March 2011, after the outbreak of theLibyan War, many African migrants and refugeesescaped from the country. While a part of this flowhas found shelter in refugee camps at theborder with Tunisia, others managed to reachItalian coasts by boat. Many of them had beenpreviously pushed back by Italy as a result of anagreement signed by Berlusconi and Gaddafi in2008. Since the signature of this deal, all migrantsintercepted at sea by the Italian navy wereforcibly returned to Libya, where they wereexposed to any kind of abuses by local police.

Mare Chiuso aims to tell the story of whatactually happened to African refugees on theItalian ships during these “push back operations”and in Libyan prisons after their deportation.The filmmakers met and interviewed witnessesin Shousha refugee camp, at the border betweenLibya and Tunisia, and in two reception campsfor asylum seekers (C.A.R.A.) in southern Italy.Their interviews constitute the main part of thedocumentary, along with a session of theEuropean Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg,where one of the witnesses sued Italy. The Courthas recently condemned Italy for violation of theEuropean Convention on Human Rights.

Although focusing more widely on the topic ofmigration as a whole, Mare Chuiso centres itsnarrative on the plight of Semere, an Eritreanman separated from his pregnant wife who hadmade safe passage to Italy. Semere’s footagefrom his mobile phone captured the momentthat the migrant’s boat was intercepted by theItalian navy.

GRAMNet and the CCA are delighted to host the firstinternational screening of Mare Chuiso.