The GRAMNet/BEMIS Film Series has a rich history, and constitutes one of the primary initiatives of the network. Originally instigated by Dr Mariangela Palladino, then of the University of Glasgow and former of BEMIS, who volunteered a screening of a film about Ethiopian, Eritrean and Sudanese Asylum Seekers in torturous detention in Libya after refoulement from Italy: Come un uomo sulla terra – Like a Man on Earth (2010).
The longstanding partnership between BEMIS and GRAMNet has continued over the years, adding in new supporters and sponsors over time. The Film Series audience has continued to grow, which has been touching for organisers, not least because of their belief in the need for free, accessible film screenings in a plethora of languages for the rich variety of linguistic communities in Glasgow.
Though programming and curation is not always easy on a shoestring budget, our audiences remain steady, and collaborations with DOCUMENT and other likeminded festivals has been mutually reinforcing to the focus and breadth of documentary film making. Throughout Covid-19, the Film Series was reformulated into an exclusively online programme, which continued to offer a brilliant array of moving, thought-provoking, and entertaining screenings and Q&As (look back through our archive!).
GRAMNet is delighted to once again host screenings at the Centre for Contemporary Arts (CCA) for the 2024 series. GRAMNet is very grateful for the generous support we receive from our partners, sponsors, distributors, and talent, so that we can keep our film series free and open to all. Developing this work with the Equality and Diversity Unit and our long-standing partners in the film series BEMIS, as well as UNESCO Chair for Refugee Integration through Languages and Arts.
As movement and other basic human rights continue to be restricted, and the experiences of global refugees and asylum seekers become increasingly difficult, we hope that the 2024 series brings hope and a space for togetherness for our audiences.
Upcoming screenings are publicised on the homepage of our website – don’t miss out on what’s to come, and follow us on socials to keep up to date.
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Glasgow Refugee Asylum and Migration Network (GRAMNet) 