About this project

Date in the diary

June - November 2007

The Deal

During the summer of 2007 Engage, in conjunction with Save the Children, organised a series of drama workshops that were turned into three short-films, working with the help of young Asylum-Seekers (KUMASI) and Refugees (BRIGHTER FUTURES) from Newcastle Upon Tyne and Middlesbrough. The project was realised by MEDIABOX and was funded by the Department of Education and Skills.

What's it About?

‘Tuesday at the Grand’ illustrates the personal traumas and struggles faced by young asylum-seekers in and around the complex of a successful hotel. This setting infused the film with a familiarity that provided a framework to then explore issues that may be alien to British citizens. By contrasting the comfort of the British workers with the issues faced by the young people ‘Tuesday at the Grand’ is able to subtly help its audience to recognise that these troubles are encountered on their own doorstep and not simply in the headlines.

How it worked

By working directly with the young people involved within these communities, we were able to produce three heartfelt, contemporary and relevant films that highlighted not only the issues faced by the young people involved but also their enormous skill in front of and behind the camera.

As our writers attended each of the workshops they were able to source the creative content of the films directly from the young people themselves, meaning that they became not only products of their imagination but also useful tools to aid understanding towards a marginalised and often misunderstood sector of society.

Did it end up on the Cutting Room Floor?

Tuesday at the Grand was premiered to a regional audience at Dance City in November 2007 and went on to play at the International Community Film Festival (2008) as well as Youki Film Festival (2008) in Austria.

It was also selected by the V&A Museum in 2009 to be screened as part of their Refugee Week. 

Why was it great?

Some participants of this project went on to continue their drama work with the prestigious Live Theatre in Newcastle Upon Tyne!