Hostile (2022)
Britain has reached a crisis point
Hostile (2022)
Directed by Sonita Gale, 98 mins
Hostile examines the UK’s ‘Hostile Environment’ - a term used by the government in 2012 to illustrate the atmosphere it wanted to create for migrants in the country, with the intention of provoking migrants to leave the country of their own accord. With Brexit and the new points-based immigration system already taking effect, this is an incredibly timely film as we enter a new era of stricter immigration regulation.
What does it mean to be British? How does it feel to be told you don’t belong?
A series of sweeping changes in legislation suggest these are questions we may all want to consider. Starting with the 2021 New Points Based Immigration System, and continuing with the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill and Nationality and Borders Act and the Nationality and Borders Act, which were both passed in 2022, now is the time to take a look at the impact these policies have on our communities.
“The idea that you can take away my passport and nationality is terrifying. You can’t make people stateless. It really shows you how ruthless these people are. The bill is appeasing people who are scared of foreigners.” Benjamin Zephaniah
Hostile examines where Britain could be heading if these policies are not reformed.
Discussion
The discussion after the screening was moderated by Global Health Film Advisory Board member Priya Joi. Priya was joined by Hostile director Sonita Gale, Dr Brenda Kelly, consultant obstetrician, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, and Dr Hosnieh Djafari-Marbini, NHS consultant and Migrants Champion at Oxford City Council.
Highlights from the discussion are below.
Global Health Film members can access the full 46-minute discussion and our Hostile resource pack of additional reading in the members' area of the website.
