Refugee Week - How Lives Are Changed By War

Refugee Week - How Lives Are Changed By War

Join us for a powerful and moving event exploring two personal stories of displacement caused by war, spanning more than 80 years. Through film and first-hand testimony, this event offers a deeply human perspective on what it means to lose your home, navigate uncertainty, and rebuild in the face of conflict.

Arek - 11am to 11.40 The day begins with a screening of Arek, telling the story of Arek Hersh MBE, a Holocaust survivor whose life was forever changed by the events of World War II. Displaced at a young age, Arek’s journey is one of survival, resilience, and reflection. Following the screening, there will be an opportunity to meet Arek in the café and have his book signed, offering a rare chance to connect personally with his story. How NOT to Flee a War - 1:30pm - 3:30pm How NOT to Flee a War is a gripping first-hand talk by Ukrainian journalist Maria Romanenko, co-presented with her partner Jez Myers. Together, they recount their experience escaping Kyiv as Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. What begins as a surreal morning quickly turns into a desperate and uncertain journey. Through personal storytelling and images from their escape, Maria and Jez bring to life the chaos of the first days of invasion, from gridlocked roads and exhaustion to confusion, fear, and the strain on borders. Told with honesty and moments of dark humour, their story offers both an intimate account of survival and a wider reflection on displacement, resilience, and the realities of fleeing a warzone.

Find out more about Refugee Week - How Lives Are Changed By War