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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.
Refugee Today and TomorrowRefugee Today and Tomorrow
Documentary 1938 17 mins
A fierce denunciation of anti-Semitic policies in Nazi Germany seen in the context of the global refugee crisis of 1938.
Return to LifeReturn to Life
Documentary 1960 29 mins
John Krish’s deeply compassionate documentary on the resettlement of refugees in Britain; made to mark World Refugee Year 1959.
Refuge EnglandRefuge England
Drama 1959 25 mins Location: London
A Hungarian refugee attempts to navigate 1950s London with no English, little money and only an address on a postcard for guidance.
Basque Refugees at Stoneham and a Holiday to Lands EndBasque Refugees at Stoneham and a Holiday to Lands End
Amateur film 1937 13 minsSilent
There's something reminiscent in this home movie from the 1930s – with refugees escaping from a distant civil war to find safety in England
Vietnamese Children RefugeesVietnamese Children Refugees
News 1978 5 mins Location: Birmingham
6,000 miles from home, after a perilous voyage to escape terror and oppression, five child refugees from Vietnam experience the magic of a British Christmas.
Refugees in Shanghai: Their Life and Their EducationRefugees in Shanghai: Their Life and Their Education
Documentary 1945 28 minsSilent Location: Shanghai
Fascinating, sometimes harrowing record of life in camps run by international aid agencies following the bombing of Shanghai by the Japanese.
Aid to ChinaAid to China
Charity appeal 1945 3 mins
Heart-rending British appeal film for funds to ease suffering of China's orphaned children and starving millions after Japanese invasion.
British Nurses in SerbiaBritish Nurses in Serbia
Non-Fiction 1915 1 minsSilent
Powerful newsreel images of displaced Serbians seeking help at a British military base during WWI.
A City of ChaosA City of Chaos
Non-Fiction 1927 1 minsSilent Location: Shanghai
Scenes of panic on the streets of Shanghai as Chinese citizens seek protection from Communist and Kuomintang violence behind Allied barricades.
Ostend in War-Time Ostend in War-Time
Non-Fiction 1914 1 minsSilent
Belgian soldiers and civilian refugees gather in Ostend in early WWI, before evacuating to England.
Formosa Island of PromiseFormosa Island of Promise
Documentary 1951 17 mins
How did Taiwan cope with the huge influx of Chinese refugees from the mainland after the war? This report explains why the island is a symbol of hope for all developing countries.
More Refugee Week films in our Rentals collection.
More Refugee Week films in our Subscription collection.