Won't Be Displaced

LGBTQIA+ Short Drama

Written by Piera Van de Wiel

Produced by Piera Van de Wiel and Katharina Benjamim

The LGBTQ+ Refugee Issue

Every year in the UK, Refugees enter the country; those who have had no choice but to seek asylum away from their homelands, especially those that are LGBTQI+, whose lives are in danger because of the lack of protection or illegal status of being gay in the country they are fleeing. This exclusion and lack of recognition of members of the LGBTQI+ community is something that needs to be addressed through the vehicle of film, having a further understanding of the psychological journey of an LGBTQI+ Refugee entering the UK.

Logline

After finally gaining Refugee status in the UK, Thea an LGBTQI+ refugee, moves in with Alice a gay singer-songwriter; they form a unique bond as they navigate their shared queer experiences, disclosing the hidden past and finding solace through their journeys of displacement, they begin to find a home within one another.

The Vision

An empowering queer story of two women from two backgrounds overcoming the past and not letting it define the present and the future. A cinematic vessel of blue and grey tones to warmth and light as both characters go on a journey of understanding more about each other and about themselves, as we the audience also learn more about what is to be an LGBTQI+ refugee beyond the system.

The Campaign along the short film

Using the power of the arts as a tool to influence change through changing behaviors and opinions.

We will be forming an LGBTQI+ Refugee campaign around this short film, showing how the creative economy and the arts can bring about policy change and influence. Our Producer, Piera Van de Wiel's past work includes legislation discussions at the House of Lords and partnerships with the United Nations

The strategy

Highlighting the impact and the journey of LGBTQI+ Refugees when they enter the UK

Partnering with local UK LGBTQI+ Refugee NGOs to petition against the Refugee Bill Ban and Rwanda Deal
Partnering with NGOs dedicated to supporting LGBTQI+ individual's welfare and safety
Speaking of how LGBTQI+ Refugees they have to prove their sexual orientation to the Home Office
Focusing on how we can improve Refugee policy towards LGBTQI+ to be more inclusive and fair

Collaborations

We are currently having collaborative conversations with Rainbow Migration and Micro Rainbow to see how we can work together through the film, the campaign, and their missions in aiding LGBTQI+ Refugees and Asylum seekers in the UK.

Partnership Opportunities

Circular involvement and local engagement

Outreach to LGBTQI+ Refugees to be a part of this production of the short film - behind the scenes, which will be a paid opportunity, no experience necessary

Institutional Panels + Fundraising Screenings

Panel discussions and private screening with policymakers focusing on LGBTQI+ Refugee issues that need to be addressed in the UK and how conditions could improve safety and stability

Invites to LGBTQI+ Refugees to hear personal journeys and reflections