Exodus Shorts was a unique film festival that showcased the talent of refugee filmmakers as well as short films that give a fresh and diverse perspective on the lives of refugees and people seeking asylum.
In collaboration with Cornerhouse, Imperial War Museum North and Urbis, Community Arts North West presented a diverse programme which included film screenings, filmmaking workshops, talks with invited guests and a filmmaker residency.
Films
Powerful films were screened which explored issues around refuge and asylum including Émigré a film that is a meditation on immigration told through the lives of ghosts both modern and historical, 'Birthday Boy' which focuses on two brothers from rural Kosovo and how the 18th birthday of one threatens to disrupt their lives together in London plus 'The News', ‘Those Left Behind’ and other shorts.
Residency
A Tale Of Two Places - Filmmaker Residency
Community Arts North West and Urbis collaboratively hosted a 6 day residency for a local refugee filmmaker/ video artist. During this week the invited filmmaker explored new ideas in two unique, creative environments. There were also opportunities for the public to meet and engage with the filmmaker during their residency.
Workshops
An Introduction to Documentary Filmmaking
Aimed at 14 – 18 year olds the workshop introduced basic techniques in the increasingly recognized and respected genre of documentary.
Talks
Refugee Films And Video In A Social, Political And Artistic Context
A talk by filmmaker, media artist, activist and writer Kooj (Kuljit) Chuhan on the background and context to refugee films followed by an opportunity for audience discussion.
For more information about the Exodus Shorts film festival visit www.can.uk.com/exodus
