I hosted the Parliamentary Screening of the film HOSTILE by writer, director and producer Sonita Gale.
The film is a powerful, emotional journey through a handful of people negatively impacted by the governments hostile migration policy.
We hear from people whose lives have been ruined by bad policy.
The voices and presence of the families impacted were devastating, and a reminder that they represent thousands more migrants with similar stories of trauma, upheaval and injustice, who are still awaiting compensation.
Since the governments hostile policy started 21 people have died before receiving justice.
Natalie Branes mother Paulette Wilson went to school in this country, and ironically, also worked for a short while as a chef in the House of Commons. Her courage to speak up in 2017 encouraged others to speak up too. But like Natalies mother Paulette, over 20 others have passed away before they could get justice – and over 14,000 people are still awaiting compensation so having their story told in the HOSTILE film whilst sitting in the very same halls and rooms where MP’s could have spoken for Natalie’s mother made it all the more poignant.
It was good to see a turnout of MP’s and politicians in the audience who stayed to make comments during the panel. After decades of hostile immigration policies, Britain has reached crisis point. MP’s in attendance discussed what could be done to support migrants during this cost of living crisis.
I especially liked the points that Jeremy Corbyn made about supporting young people to know their rights and engage more politically so they can ensure things like this never happen again.
Let’s not let the stories of those affected by the Governments hostile policy fade away. They still need us to keep their experiences put there and to get justice.
Films that make a difference are going to form our history for future generations.
Congratulations again Sonita Gale for fighting to bring their stories to film festivals and the education system for a wider audience.
My dad always used to say ‘if you have a voice and platform then say something worth saying’. Sonita’s film says it all. Catch HOSTILE as a cinema or film festival near you this year whilst it’s on it’s tour!