ARGYLL and Bute Council’s leader has praised the work of filmmakers who have put together a production showing how refugees have resettled in the area.
A premiere of ‘An Argyll and Bute Welcome’ took place in December, with the documentary sharing the stories of people who now live in the area after escaping conflict.
Councillor Jim Lynch (SNP, Oban South and the Isles) was in attendance for the premiere on Bute, and has highlighted his appreciation of the production in a report.
The details are given in a report to a full council meeting on Wednesday, April 29.
Councillor Lynch said: “I don’t often – in fact, I never – get the chance to attend internationally acclaimed film premieres.
“However, in December, I had the opportunity to do just that, and what made it extra special is the fact that it featured the stories of some of our refugee families who have settled in Argyll and Bute thanks to the support of our Resettlement team.
“’An Argyll and Bute Welcome’ is a powerful documentary sharing the stories of people who have rebuilt their lives in Argyll and Bute after fleeing conflict.
“Over the past ten years, families from countries including Syria, Ukraine, Sudan and Afghanistan have made Argyll and Bute their home.
“The short film, made by local filmmakers AyeGlas, tells their stories, shows how a community can help people feel safe and belong, and become important parts of day-to-day life in their new home.”
He added: “Local screenings have also taken place around Argyll and Bute and the film is so good that I went to see it twice – at the premiere in Bute in December and again at the Rockfield Centre in Oban.
“Everyone I’ve spoken to who’s seen the film has agreed that it is absolutely wonderful, heart-warming and incredibly inspiring – not least because it features the voices of refugees themselves telling their own stories, including the hardships they’ve faced and the appreciation they have for their new homes, communities and friends here in Argyll and Bute.”
The film is available to view on the council’s YouTube channel.
