Wicklow screening of anti-racism film to go ahead after three venues cancel

North Wicklow Against Genocide and Newtown Together are set to screen the award-winning, feature-length documentary 'Refuge' in Newcastle Community Centre on Sunday, followed by a discussion joined remotely by Chris Buckley, who features in the documentary.

However, it proved a struggle to secure somewhere to show the movie, after three venues that were booked to screen the documentary withdrew.

One of the organisers Kellie McConnell said: "I think the spotlight needs to be placed on the screening due to what appears to be some misunderstanding over what we are all about. The screening of 'Refuge' is meant to be something to bring the community of Newtown together and bring some unity.

"Sadly we have had to change venues on three occasions. Initially, the documentary was to be screened in Newtown Community Centre, but they received intimidating emails so they withdrew. We then had the Parkview Hotel lined-up, but they received emails complaining about the event as well, so we lost that venue.

"Kilcoole Community Centre was our next venue, but they too received intimidating emails, so finally we managed to secure Newcastle Community Hall, where the documentary will now be screened."

The focus of the documentary is Chris's journey from harbouring deep prejudice towards Muslims, to meeting and befriending Kurdish refugee Dr Heval Kelli, a cardiologist who lives in Chris's state of Georgia in the US.

Created by filmmakers Erin Bernhardt and Din Blankenship, it shows Chris as a husband and father, a veteran, and until recently, a leader in the KKK. It explains how he developed his prejudice for Muslims after the 9/11 attacks in New York, and tells the story of how he is forced to confront this when he receives a text from Muslim refugee, Dr Heval Kelli. The pair are now dear friends and Chris has become an anti-racism campaigner.

The opponents to the Wicklow screening of the documentary are believed to be under the impression that the documentary focuses on the Gaza strip and is pro-Palestine and anti-Israel.

Kellie added: "The emails that were sent to the venues all contained the same text, but under different names. Those responsible seem to think the documentary is about the Israeli occupation of Palestine, which is completely untrue and misleading. The documentary has absolutely noting to do with Palestine, and we have made that very clear.

"This constant intimidation is really sad, but as a group we feel the best way forward is to go ahead and show the documentary, despite the intimidation."

'Refuge' will be screened at Newcastle Community Centre on Sunday, September 22, just after 5pm. Chris will join in remotely on a discussion that will follow the screening.

'Refuge' has won five awards in the US, including the Georgia Feature Award for 2022 at the Atlanta Film Festival, the Impact Film Award at the 2022 Boulder International Film Festival, and the Jury's Special Mention at the US's largest documentary film festival, NYC DOC, in 2021.

It was also nominated for last year's Oglethorpe Award for Excellence in Georgia Cinema at the Georgia Film Critics Association awards.