“As a filmmaker who has first-hand experience of seeking asylum in the UK, I am inspired by the resilience and courage of the people who lose everything and travel 1000s of miles to rebuild their lives. My hope is that "Matar" will raise awareness and empathy for their experiences, and encourage viewers to engage in meaningful conversations about immigration policies and the importance of community and connection in building a better world.” - Hassan Akkad, director of MATAR

Experience the powerful story of MATAR, as he confronts the harsh realities of the UK's broken asylum system, and fights to rebuild his life against all odds. WaterBear Original's docu-fiction film is a must-see for anyone interested in social justice. Directed by BAFTA-winner Hassan Akkad and starring Ahmed Malek (The Swimmers), this film is a powerful exposé of the UK's asylum system and the discrimination faced by those trying to rebuild their lives in England. Based on the lived experience of co-writer Ayman Alhussein, this film is a call to action to fight for a more just and equitable world.

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The screening will take place in Nash Lecture Theatre, King's Building (Strand Campus), King's College London.

About the filmmaker

Hassan Akkad is an award-winning filmmaker and author - he is the associate producer of Netflix film ‘The Swimmers’. Hassan’s short film, Matar, which he co-wrote and directed was released on WaterBear in 2023. Hassan was part of the team that made ‘Exodus: Our Journey to Europe’ which won a BAFTA and an EMMY for Best Factual Series in 2017. Hassan is currently developing his debut feature film with BBC Film.

About BELONGINGS

This event is taking place as part of the BELONGINGS exhibition and events programme at King’s College London. BELONGINGS is a new exhibition and events programme that challenges anti-asylum narratives and creates pathways to belonging with people seeking sanctuary. Read more about BELONGINGS here.

The programme is organised by Prof Hanna Kienzler, from King’s Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, in collaboration with artist Susan Aldworth, Prof Cornelius Katona, Dr Leonie Ansems de Vries, Dr Guntars Ermansons, and A&M Consultancy. It forms part of a new season from King’s Culture, Lost and Found: Stories of sanctuary and belonging. The programme builds on work by members of the Refugee Mental Health and Place Network at King’s and it is supported by the ESRC Centre for Society and Mental Health.

Accessibility information

For more information about access to buildings at King's, please visit the AccessAble guide online and the guide for this venue, Nash Lecture Theatre. Please do not hesitate to contact us at csmh@kcl.ac.uk to further discuss any access requirements, arrangements for companions, or to find out more details about this event.