Barika Rising, filmed this year by James Holman in Iraq’s Barika camp, offers a rare glimpse into displaced people’s daily life, with the skatepark becoming a symbol of possibility.
The film premiered at the Connect Festival in Bordeaux, France, in October, but the Arrowtown screenings on the 14th — at 7.15 and 8.15pm — will be the only ones before a hoped-for international festival run.
Holman will also host a Q&A after each screening.
A small exhibition of evocative Middle East photographs will also be on display throughout the cinema as a cultural backdrop.
"Barika Rising is a deeply personal project that explores resilience and hope in the face of adversity," Holman says.
"I’m thrilled to share it with audiences at Dorothy Browns and to discuss the journey behind the film."
Proceeds from the evening will go towards Make Life Skate Life’s 450 square metre skatepark in Kiteezi, Uganda.
Tickets for the screenings are via dorothybrowns.com
