The Sanctuary Seekers of Bradford

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The story

As governments around the world face the impact of the growing number of displaced people, the city of Bradford in the north of England is known as a city of sanctuary for refugees and asylum seekers, and has a rich heritage of welcoming those fleeing their homes.

The 'Sanctuary Seekers of Bradford' is a 30-minute documentary that follows the lives of three Bradford residents from different walks of life; retired train driver Mick, primary school worker Hamida and settled refugee Asumani, as they each show practical care and kindness and compassion to refugees and asylum seekers living in the city. Offering friendship and a warm welcome, they help people overcome the many obstacles faced in the long and challenging journey of rebuilding their lives in the UK.

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Cast & Crew

Asumani Sosho

Asumani fled the Congo aged sixteen and then lived in a refugee camp for eighteen years. He now runs Bradford African Community which aims to meet the needs of Refugees and help them achieve integration and adaption and to participate fully in society.

Hamida Khan

Hamida is a primary school worker and for the last few years has been moved to action by the refugees and asylum seekers she's met, she now runs a private WhatsApp group collecting and delivering donations to meet the needs of others.

Mick Ward

Mick is a retired train driver who now volunteers regularly with Refugee Action Bradford in whatever capacity he can. He's loving called 'grandpa' by those he helps and gives his time, friendship and humour to help people feel welcome.

Bilal

Bilal is originally from Syria, he and his family fled their home country and eventually arrived in Bradford in 2022. He cares deeply for people and his country deeply, he loves birds and is currently studying to build his future here in the UK.

Tom Harmer

Tom is a film director with a passion to capture stories that illustrate the true value of humanity and is the founder of FAITH + BONES production company. During lockdown he produced a short doc per week called 52humans.com to a warm reception on social media.

Harold Salakianathan

Harold began his professional life as a medical doctor before transitioning to producing. He was selected for the prestigious BFI Network x BAFTA Crew program. Films which he has produced have been selected at BAFTA and Academy Award qualifying festivals.

// FULL CREDITS //

A film by: TOM HARMER Produced by :TOM HARMER & HAROLD SALAKIANATHAN Directed and edited by : TOM HARMER Cinematography: TOM HARMER Original music by : CALLUM HARVIE & JOSH CANA Colourist: LUCAS ROCHE Sound editor: LUKE COLLINS

// ARCHIVAL SOURCES //

Yorkshire and North East Film Archives / European Space Agency, Id 219901 / nickhedgesphotography.co.uk / Griff Tapper @grifftapper / Phil Hatcher-Moore, philmoore.info / watermission.org

// SPECIAL THANKS //

Bradford African Community / Refugee Action Bradford / The Millside Centre / SOLIDARITECH / MyLAHORE / Zahra Niazi / Barry Cussack / Christy Bischoff / Wahid Rashid / Natalie Harmer

// STARRING //

Bilal Albalbise, Hamida Khan, Asumani Sosho , Michael Ward

// APPEARANCES //

Ahmed Abakelow , Maryam Abdalla, Nawal Abdullahi , Katra Abdullahi , Naseebullah Achakzai , Amina Albadien , Alnasim Ali, Deeqa Ali , Mariam Ali Ako, Ali Mohammed , Huda Ali Mohammed , Alaa Alib , Bahati Alphonsine, Kashindi Amadi, Sifa Asumani , Safi Asumani, Susho Asumani, Omari Asumani, Boskhomdzha Bambusheva , Vic Berry , Seynabou Biagui, Christy Bischoff, Lisa Brook , Marina Burger, Bert Erasmus Burger , Sally Clark, Agathe Dimadji, Rose Djedje, Nick Edwards , Hiba Elsiddly, Amiena Flidan, Hanae Gemal , Farhiyo Hassan, Nargis Hussain, Jesilda Imariya Iruhayarasa, Victor Iruthayarasa, Eslam Juba , Vulmilia Kakumulanga-Martha, Beatrice Kashindi, Malipo Kashindi , Nabella Khan, Thoma Kodi, Rashia Latif , Nick Mageolles, Abdul Majeed , Mwajuma Mashaka , Ben McKenna, Melat Melaku , Juliet Moqezi , Mushishi Muhoza , Maryan Muktar , Aran Muse Ali , Berthe Myamuviza , Anna Narukundo , Shazia Naseeruddin, Bertha Nyamutima, Berthe Nyamwiza , Queen Esther Osakwe, Jenny-Beth Osakwe , Jenika Osakwe, Bako Rashidi , Bilal Rashidi , Musa Sankareh , Veronica Scott , Jonathan Shortt , Florence Sikujua, Hardi Tarkhani , Huafang Weng, Clive Whittaker , Alexanders Zubaida

// FILMED ON LOCATION IN //

Bradford, West Yorkshire

FAITH + BONES A film production company in Bradford, UK founded on the firm belief that people are Earth's greatest treasure. For more info visit www.faithandbones.com or contact hello@faithandbones.com