Film highlighting refugee children's journeys to Northumberland premieres in local cinema

A short film highlighting refugee children's journeys to South East Northumberland has premiered at a Northumberland cinema.

Now We Are Here follows the stories of Nader and Solomiya as they and their families flee war in their home countries of Syria and Ukraine to the UK in search of peace and a new life. The animated short aims to shine a light on refugee displacement through the eyes of young people like Nader and Solomiya, who are based on children who now live in the county.

It is the result of a five-month collaboration between local artists and producers, who worked with affected refugee families living in South East Northumberland to understand and share their experiences through storytelling, illustration, animation and music. The film premiered at the Vue Cinema in Cramlington earlier this month.

One guest at the screening said: "I cried because your story touched the centre of my heart. Thank you for bringing these stories to people."

Another added that they thought it was a: "wonderful story which will give children and adults alike a good understanding of families who have to leave war-torn countries."

Illustrator Josie Brookes said: "It felt such an important story to tell, particularly within the current climate, and I'm very proud of what we have made together. Seeing everyone at the screening - hearing group members talk about its importance and impact - it was very special."

Sound artist and composer Bridie Jackson added: "A highlight of this project has to be making a piece of work that the co-creators saw themselves in, were moved by and proud of."

It is hoped that the film will be used as a resource by schools, youth organisations and film groups. Sarah Hudson, project manager, said: "We are wholeheartedly grateful to the people we have worked with on this project to create such a profound, authentic and real film to be shared."

Now We Are Here is available to watch on YouTube with subtitles in Arabic, English and Ukrainian. Its creation was supported by Arts Council England and Northumberland County Council.

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