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Deep Dive: Hostile (2021)

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Hostile
Hostile is a documentary film directed by Sonita Gale that examines the UK government's 'hostile environment' immigration policy, first introduced in 2012 during David Cameron's administration. The film features stories from four individuals of Black and Asian backgrounds, including Farrukh Sair, an NHS IT engineer facing financial struggles due to visa applications, and Anthony Bryan, a member of the Windrush generation who was denied his rights despite living in the UK since childhood. The film also includes Daksha and Paresh, who initiated a Community Response Kitchen to support migrants in need. The documentary focuses on the implications of the 'no recourse to public funds' (NRPF) policy, which restricts access to benefits for those under immigration control. This policy became particularly problematic during the COVID-19 pandemic, as many migrants were unable to work and ineligible for essential support like Universal Credit. Gale's intent with the film is to foster dialogue about migration and social change, drawing from her personal background as a child of Indian immigrants in the UK.

Why Watch

  • •Meet Farrukh Sair and his visa struggles.
  • •Find out about the Windrush generation's fight for rights.
  • •See how COVID-19 impacted migrants without public funds.

Did You Know

•The 'hostile environment' policy was first articulated in 2012.
•Farrukh Sair has been left heavily in debt due to repeated visa applications.
•Anthony Bryan has lived in the UK since he was 8 years old.

Perfect For

Immigration policyWindrush generationCOVID-19 impact