The Calais ‘Jungle’ through a new lens
ON OUR DOORSTEP A film by Thomas Laurance
The story of the Calais ‘Jungle’ and the remarkable solidarity of ordinary people
ON OUR DOORSTEP, an essential documentary from Thomas Laurance about the ongoing refugee crisis, will screen in cinemas across the UK from 22 May. Ten venues will screen the film with filmmakers and special guests in attendance, starting with Curzon Soho in London. Curzon Home Entertainment will make the film available to stream via their platform after the tour has taken place.
ABOUT THE FILM
ON OUR DOORSTEP delves deep into an aspect of the ongoing refugee crisis that rarely reaches the press. With NGOs being blocked by red tape and with the absence of any positive action by French or British authorities, this film is a behind-the-scenes look at the extraordinary grassroots movement that rose to aid the Calais ‘Jungle', and the community that sprang up there, before it was forcefully demolished.
Originally arriving in the 'Jungle' as a volunteer carpenter, 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 a patchwork of intimate frontline experience that offers unique access to the communities of the 'Jungle'.
This is the story of what happens when young and inexperienced civilians 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. ON OUR DOORSTEP stands as a reminder of the continuing work ordinary civilians do to help those forced to seek safety away from home.
https://www.onourdoorstepdoc.com/
www.onourdoorstepdoc.com/screenings
SCREENING DETAILS & THE VENUES
Curzon Soho, London
Monday 22 May, 6:20pm
+ Q&A: with Rhianna Dhillon (Host), director Thomas Laurance, actor Juliet Stevenson and author Gulwali Passerlay
The Palace, Broadstairs, Kent
Tuesday 23 May
+ Q&A with Thomas Laurance and current Calais volunteers
The Picturehouse, Uckfield, East Sussex
Thursday 25 May
+ Q&A with Thomas Laurance
Chelmsford Cathedral, Chelmsford
Friday 26 May
Q&A with Thomas Laurance
First Site, Colchester, Essex
Thursday 8 June
Q&A with Thomas Laurance
The Electric, Birmingham
Tuesday 13 June
+ Q&A with Thomas Laurance and Salman Mirza a
The Genesis, London
Wednesday 14 June
+ Q&A with Thomas Laurance, Deborah Frances White (The Guilty Feminist), actor Yasin Moradi (The Jungle play) and Care4Calais
The Phoenix, Exeter
Saturday 17 June
+ Q&A with Thomas Laurance
The Depot, Lewes, East Sussex
Monday 19 June
+ Q&A: Jerry Rothwell (director of The Reason I Jump), and Thomas Laurance
Bridport Arts Centre, Dorset
Tuesday 20 June
+ Q&A with Thomas Laurance and fundraiser for Freedom From Torture
The Cube, Bristol
Wednesday 21 June
Q&A with Thomas Laurance with Care4Calais as part of the Bristol Refugee Festival
The Electric Theatre, Guildford, West Surrey
Tuesday 27 June
Q&A with Thomas Laurance
Rich Mix, London
Thursday 29 June
Q&A with Thomas Laurance and with Care4Calais CEO and actor Yasin Moradi)