A new film festival is set to bring unheard voices to the big screen.
The Sama Brighton Film Festival will run from June 15 to 19 in venues across Brighton and Lewes, marking the UK debut of the Sama International Film Festival, which has been held in Stockholm for 17 years.
The festival focuses on freedom of expression and offers a platform to underrepresented filmmakers, particularly those living in exile.
Sanjar Qiam, co-producer of the festival, said: "We want Sama to be a space for Brightonians to encounter films and conversations that engage with political oppression through the lens of displacement, identity and empathy.
"We are bringing unnoticed and quirky stories to people’s attention.
"Hopefully, it will make it possible for all of us to discover perspectives and details we did not know we were looking for."
The programme includes feature films, documentaries and short films from Afghanistan, Iran and Kazakhstan, as well as director Q&As, music and discussion.
One highlight is the BAFTA award-winning documentary, My Childhood, My Country – 20 Years in Afghanistan, which will be shown at Dukes at Komedia.
Other screenings will take place at the Lewes Depot, the Rose Hill and Fabrica.
The festival coincides with Refugee Week and will also highlight the work of local community organisations.
For more information, visit the Sama Brighton Film Festival Facebook page.
