Ukrainian Families Welcomed to NFTS For Special Community Event and Paddington Screening
Local Ukrainian refugee families enjoyed an afternoon of entertainment at The National Film and Television School on Sunday 4th September, courtesy of our friends at StudioCanal and a much-loved Peruvian bear.
In partnership with the Beaconsfield Film Society, the NFTS hosted an exclusive screening of the Ukrainian version of Paddington, starring none other than President Volodymyr Zelensky who, before taking office, was a comedian and actor, voicing the bear in both Paddington and its sequel, Paddington 2!
Prior to the screening, over 120 mums and children, displaced by the war in Ukraine, gathered at the NFTS for traditional Ukrainian food and music, with entertainment provided by magician Clive the Conjuror, who enthralled the children with a fun packed show. The afternoon provided a sense of community, the chance to build new networks and share their recent experiences as they continue to adapt to a new life in the UK.
UK hosts were on hand to provide transportation to the School, with additional teams of volunteer drivers collecting many of the refugee families spread across South Bucks including Beaconsfield, High Wycombe, Marlow, Frieth and Princes Risborough.
Jon Wardle, Director of the National Film and Television School said: “Sunday’s event is a great example of the power of cinema to bring families together through a shared experience and be the connecting bridge to escape into another world. A huge thank you to both StudioCanal for providing the Ukrainian version of Paddington and to Beaconsfield Film Society for making this wonderful event possible.”
Dieter Shaw, Chair of the Beaconsfield Film Society was instrumental in the organisation of the event and experienced life as a refugee at the end of World War 2. He commented: “It’s hard to imagine the cinema at the National Film and Television School has ever been put to better use. The joy, fun and excitement of the day was palpable on the children’s faces as they watched Paddington. The event was a huge success and we hope it offered some light hearted respite for the families who attended.”
See more photos from the day, captured by George Mardall of the Beaconsfield Film Society, here: flickrcom/gp/gmardall/QMB0k9ULUz
In July, NFTS students collaborated with local areas in a charity drive, collecting and sending 1,800 pounds of medical equipment, food and clothing to Ukraine.
Their efforts are still on-going as the crisis in Ukraine continues to unfold. Donations are needed more than ever and support is urgently needed.
Please consider donating to the British Red Cross here: donate.redcross.org.uk/appeal/ukraine-crisis-appeal