Join local filmmaker, Matt Radcliffe, for the premiere of his short documentary film, Home Ground. The film, developed in partnership with St Augustine’s Centre in Halifax, follows the head coach and players from St Augustine’s FC and looks at the important role that football plays as they seek asylum and build a new life with dignity in the UK. 

The afternoon will also include the screening of a second short film by Matt Radcliffe, This Valley. Featuring a range of groups that come together for health and wellness but get so much more from their time together, this film is a celebration of kindness and community in Calderdale. 

Alongside the two film screenings, there will also be:

• Music from local band Hind and the Jaffa Cakes
• A special dance performance from Curious Motion's Brews and Grooves Group
• A Q&A with the filmmaker and film participants

All welcome. Book your place here or using the button below.

The event is free with optional donations to St Augustine’s Centre in lieu of a ticket cost.

Accessibility

Hebden Bridge Picture House has wheelchair / level access down a gentle ramp to the right-hand side of the building and designated wheelchair spaces in the auditorium. A spacious, gender neutral, accessible toilet is located in the foyer. For further access information, please visit the cinema website.  

Venue

Hebden Bridge Picture House is an independent, not-for-profit single screen cinema owned and operated by Hebden Royd Town Council. As the first Cinema of Sanctuary, the team are committed to creating a welcoming space for all and believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience film in a friendly social setting.

Parking

There are carparks and some on street parking available in Hebden Bridge town centre but spaces are limited. Attendees are advised to use public transport if possible. The cinema is a short walk from the train station with a picturesque cut through available through Calder Holmes Park. Many buses stop right outside the door on New Road.

Refreshments

A range of refreshments including hot and cold drinks, locally baked treats, Yorkshire ice cream and tubs of popcorn are available to purchase from the cinema’s kiosk.

Film classification

Home Ground and This Valley are currently going through a classification process to determine an age rating and content advice.

While everyone is welcome to attend the premiere, please be aware that the films do explore some sensitive themes, including isolation and homelessness, which might not be suitable for all attendees.

Funding and support

Funding for this project has been provided through CultureDale, Calderdale’s year-long programme of creativity and activity. In kind donations and support have been provided by a range of partners including St Augustine’s Centre, Calderdale Council, Hebden Bridge Picture House, Friend of Hebden Bridge Picture House and the individuals and groups that have given their time to take part in the film. A big thank you to everyone who has supported this project so far.

Film information

About Home Ground

Documentary, English. Some Arabic, Spanish and Kurdish with subtitles.

When Arsalan first arrived in Halifax he was eager to find connection and community in an unfamiliar country. As an avid football fan, he braved the freezing January temperatures and headed to the local stadium where a random act of kindness gave him his first glimmer of hope for a happy life in the UK. This documentary film tells Arsalan’s story, from the young boy who dreamed of becoming a footballer to his role with St Augustine’s Centre helping others seeking sanctuary.

The film also follows members of St Augustine’s FC and explores their lives as people seeking asylum in this country. It examines the critical role that football plays in supporting the team to navigate a complex and often hostile asylum system, and provides a heart warming insight into how the team helps players to find community in a new country.

About This Valley

Documentary, English. Some Urdu and BSL with subtitles

All across Calderdale, diverse groups of people come together to connect through sport and activity. This short documentary shares stories from a collection of these groups, who meet for health and wellness but get so much more from their time together. From wheelchair rugby to wild swimming, the film explores connection, community and the current of kindness running through Calderdale.

Groups featured in the film:

·      Curious Motion

·      Halifax Wheelchair Rugby

·      Northern Powerhouse Boxing

·      Calder Community Squash

·      Unique Community Hub

·      Wild Swimming Calder Valley

About the filmmaker

Matthew Radcliffe is a photographer and filmmaker based in Halifax who believes that visual storytelling is an important tool for creating a better world. Driven by a passion to tell authentic stories and leave the world a better place, Matt creates poignant and thought-provoking film and imagery that seeks to challenge bias and inequality.