THE SCOTTISH-Iranian director of an Oscar-shortlisted film has been helping kids in Glasgow make their own films for Refugee Festival Scotland 2023.
Hassan Nazer directed the film Winners, which follows the story of a young boy and his friend who attempt to hunt down the owner of a precious statue in a small, provincial Iranian town.
Following the film being nominated for an Academy Award, Nazer offered his support to pupils in the Pollokshields area of Glasgow to edit and showcase their own films.
Pupils at Glendale Primary will be presented with their own Oscars before they watch Winners on Thursday evening.
They are urging the community to come out and support them by coming to the screening at the school at 6.30pm.
Nazer said: "I didn’t know if arriving to UK by boat was a good idea back in 2001, and but being placed to Scotland as an asylum seeker was definitely the greatest. This is a land of stories, inspiration and opportunities where dreams are realised.’’
Tabassum Niamat, community engagement manager at Pollokshields Trust, and her colleague Ged Fitzsimmons have been working with the pupils and are hoping to ignite their creativity and passion for filmmaking in anticipation of a screening of Winners on Thursday evening.
Both firmly believe in fostering children’s aspirations to pursue a career in the arts and said having Nazer shared his expertise has been invaluable.
Niamat said: "One of the highlights so far has been the presence of Hassan Nazer award-winning director who graciously shared his expertise and knowledge of filmmaking with the schools.
"Having such a talent visit us right at our doorstep was an invaluable opportunity for our aspiring filmmakers."
"The headteachers have been incredibly generous with their time and assistance which is why I am hoping we have a great turn out."
Refugee Festival Scotland runs until Sunday, June 25, and is celebrating the huge contribution people from refugee backgrounds make to life in Scotland.
The event will take place from 6.30pm to 10pm at Glendale Primary in McCulloch Street, Glasgow.
