Hostile is a feature-length documentary focusing on the UK’s complicated relationship with its migrant communities. Told through the stories of four participants from Black and Asian backgrounds, the film focuses on the impact of the evolving ‘hostile environment’ policies, which are designed to make living conditions so difficult for migrants that they voluntarily leave the country.
The film explores how the lives of international students, members of the Windrush generation and ‘Highly-Skilled Migrants’ have been affected. What does it mean to be British? What does it feel like to be told you don’t belong? This film seeks to hear these voices and inspire viewers to take action to create long-term change.
“The impetus for making this film was my own childhood and living in a migrant working class community who came to the UK post- 2nd World War and after the collapse of the British Empire. As a child, I would see the hard work and dedication of Black and Asian communities working the factories, the corner shops, the restaurants and the taxi firms. I used to wake up every morning to see my mum take two buses to go to work as a factory worker – memories of my childhood led me to make my debut.”
Hostile has been long-listed for two categories:
**Douglas Hickox Award (Best Debut Director)**
**Best Documentary**
The five nominations in each category will be announced as part of the full nominations on Wednesday, November 3; with winners revealed at the ceremony on Sunday, December 5.
A big congratulations and good luck to the long-listed filmmakers!
You can view Screen Daily’s coverage of the longlist here.
Help us raise awareness of the film and the stories of UK migrants by following Hostile Twitter at @hostiledoc andInstagram @hostiledoc
Hostile premieres at Raindance Film Festival on Friday 29th October at Hoxton Curzon.