T A P E Collective presents a programme of short films by mixed heritage filmmakers around the themes of identity and heritage, exploring othering, belonging and the trouble of melting pots. The films in the programme offer a look at shaping an identity beyond labels by examining the good immigrant trope, language and the significance of names. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with Farrah Chaudhry (writer Look At Us) hosted by Caroline Wilson from UNDR LNDN.
Film programme:
1. Homeland Trilogy (UK, 2017, dir. Asena Nour Oyzoyn, 7 min)
A trilogy of short documentaries (‘Fatherland’, ‘Motherland’, ‘Homeland’) mapping out the personal migration stories of the filmmaker’s family, as well as a look at a generation of young Muslims in multicultural London
2. as british as a watermelon (UK, 2021, dir. Graham Clayton-Chance, 28 min)
mandla rae has a selective memory and they are scrambling to piece together their life. as british as a watermelon questions what it means to belong through exploring mandla’s fragmented asylum and migration memories.
3. I Was Told There’s Freedom Here (UK, dir. Awate Abdalla, 6min)
A human refugee from another planet describes their family’s experiences facing discrimination, gentrification and the violence of British bureaucracy.
4. Golden Jubilee (UK, 2021, dir. Suneil Sanzgiri, 19min)
What is liberation when so much has already been taken? Who has come for more? “Golden Jubilee” is the third film in a series of works by Suneil Sanzgiri about memory, diaspora and decoloniality. Sanzgiri’s signature blend of 16mm sequences, 3D renders, direct animation, and desktop aesthetics are vividly employed in this lush, and ghostly look at questions of heritage, culture, and the remnants of history.
5. This is Forever (UK, 2021, dir. Susy Pena, 11 min)
With dreams of being the best ancestor she can be for her teenage son, Indigenous Bolivian single mother applies for a Visa to remain in the U.K. while embarking on a journey of healing the wounds of her past.
6. HOME (UK, 2021, dir. Ndrika Anyika, 12 min)
Following yet another argument with her mother Miri seeks refuge in her best friend, the beautiful and rebellious Elle. Whilst out meeting some boys, something happens leading Miri to re-evaluate her identity.
7.
Look At Us (UK 2020, dir. Hussina Raja)
A homage to those who came before us, and to the Pakistani diaspora who remain resilient in the face of adversity and prejudice in Great Britain.