UNESCO Chair on Refugee Integration through Education, Language and Arts

By Pinar Aksu

I have now watched The Old Oak film, directed by Ken Loach and written by Paul Laverty, three times and participated in the panel discussions across various communities and locations. Considered to be possibly the final film by Ken Loach, the film is true reflection of the current attitudes towards migration, solidarity, suffering and hope.

Glasgow

The first screening took place at the Glasgow Film Theatre as a special preview. It brought together the local community and the people who are currently seeking asylum and refuge. The screening was on a Friday morning. I’m not going to lie, it was a wee bit heavy to watch so early in the morning. When I first saw the trailer, I knew the film was going to be very moving and vital under current immigration discussions. The film portrays realities of how people are dispersed across the country in various communities, support mechanisms provided and perception from the existing communities. Throughout the film, scenes of trauma and mental health concerns were witnessed by refugees and the existing community members. Years of isolation and betrayal by the government led communities to feel angry and isolated. Following the film, everyone enjoyed the community meal at the Garnethill Multicultural Centre. Sitting around tables, meeting new friends from all walks of life and sharing our thoughts about the film. 

Maryhill

A month later, I was involved in organising the second screening of the film with Maryhill Integration Network at Community Central Hall. This time, bringing together the local communities of Maryhill for everyone to enjoy the film and show the power of communities. Although the screening started a little late due to technical issues (the joy of community work, right?), everyone enjoyed the food, making new friends and being part of the community. I witnessed how audience members laughed and cried throughout the film, noticing moments of joy, and relating to realities in our communities. And did I mention we had delicious food?

Comrie

Starting with Comrie Conversation in 2014, I now have wonderful and kind friends in Comrie who continuously show solidarity and compassion. As part of Comrie Film Festival 2024, I was invited to join the festival and speak at the panel discussion of The Old Oak. The journey to Comrie is refreshing and always filled with spectacular memories. Passing by beautiful sceneries of endless fields, trees and nature before reaching the most welcoming village in Scotland: Comrie. Met with delicious warm soup, welcoming smiles and continuous solidarity. Reconnecting with my friends from Comrie, catching up with our work and what is going on in the world – these conversations can last a long time! As we watch the film, I sensed anger felt by the local community at certain points and the compassion shown as tears poured down. Deep breaths. During the discussion, the power of The Old Oak film was present as we collectively and critically discussed how communities can support each other and take action to show compassion.

For me, The Old Oak film is one of the best ways to represent and show Resilience, Solidarity and Connections. Currently there are many communities, just like Durham, who are suffering and healing from years of austerity imposed on communities. Resilience is not only witnessed by people seeking asylum and refuge, but it will also be witnessed collectively through solidarity with one another. Understanding each other's feelings, thoughts and having a human connection to learn from each other and heal from years of open wounds. These community bonds between people take time and need patience. A process with care and compassion where connections are created by knowing each other, connecting with each other's journeys and relating to wounds created by others.

From Durham to Comrie, villages and towns are creating links to know each other, heal from years of austerity, create connections with differences and new possibilities. The Old Oak is not only a film, it’s a mirror of our society reflecting how communities are suffering and how communities can be rebuilt with connections, dialogue and joy. As it was written on the plaque of the pub as a reminder during the mining strikes, ‘When you eat together, you stick together’. It takes time for people to heal from wounds, for some years, people cry together from their experiences collectively and as a community. As I look forward to possibility of watching The Old Oak again, I remember witnessing the collective joys, smiles, tears and solidarity across the communities who are creating new possibilities with new friends and understanding.

About the author

Pinar Aksu is a researcher at UNESCO RILA at the University of Glasgow.

---

First published: 23 July 2024