Notice: ‘Extraordinary Film’ on Ongoing Refugee Crisis ‘On Our Doorstep’ Electric Theatre June 27

Published on: 22 Jun, 2023
Updated on: 22 Jun, 2023

The screening of a new film called On Our Doorstep is “a behind-the-scenes look at the exraordinary grassroots movement that rose to aid the Calais’ Jungle and the community that sprang up there, before it was forcefully demolished”.

It reveals “an aspect of the ongoing refugee crisis that rarely reaches the press” writes Marilyn Jarrett (secretary Amnesty International Guildford).

On Our Doorstep film at The Electric Theatre on Tuesday, June 27 at 7:30pm.

On Our Doorstep (directed by Tom Laurance) delves deep into an area of the ongoing refugee crisis that rarely reaches the press. With NGOs being blocked by red tape and an absence of any positive action by French or British authorities, the film is a behind-the-scenes look at the extraordinary grassroots movement that rose to aid the refugees in Calais, and the community that sprang up there, before it was forcefully demolished.

This is the story of what happens when young and inexperienced citizens are forced to devise systems and structures to support 10,000 refugees; and are left unguided to face the moral and emotional dilemmas, blurred lines and frequent grey areas of giving aid to vulnerable people. People who do not want to be there. It questions whether the aims of the volunteers were met, and whether these aims ultimately served the refugees’ needs.

Originally arriving in the Calais ‘Jungle’ as a volunteer, Thomas Laurance ended up embedding himself for a year, documenting what he saw up until the camp’s destruction. Upon returning to the UK, Thomas sourced footage from other filmmakers, activists, volunteers and refugees, weaving together an intimate frontline documentary that offers unique access to the communities of the ‘Jungle’ and is a reminder of the continuing work ordinary civilians do to help those forced to seek safety away from home.

It will be followed by a Q&A with a panel distinguished by their work and experience in the field, including a refugee with lived experience of the Jungle.

It is being supported and promoted by Amnesty International Guildford Group, the Big Leaf Foundation and Refugee Aid Guildford.

The showing is one night only on Tuesday, June 27 at 7:30pm.

Tickets for On Our Doorstep are £11 are available online here or by email from boxoffice@electric.theatre or by telephoning 01483 501200.