Epsom Picturehouse hosts Refugee Week
This year’s Refugee Week theme, “Community as a Superpower,” celebrates the influence and connection with other cultures that enrich us all, offering fresh perspectives, traditions, and stories that shape a more vibrant, inclusive society.
Between 16–22 June, Epsom and Ewell Refugee Network (EERN) will honour the talents, stories, and successes of the refugees they support through a series of uplifting cultural events and film screenings. Film has a unique way of showing us what unites us—that shared experience of seeing stories on the big screen and sharing the best of our cultures.
Community is indeed a superpower—especially during Refugee Week—as it reminds us of the strength found in unity. It celebrates the transformative power of welcoming communities to change lives and challenge the narrative around migration.
Local Solidarity and Support
Since the start of the war in Ukraine, the Epsom and Ewell community has shown extraordinary solidarity—welcoming refugees into their homes, raising vital funds, and providing practical support to help newcomers rebuild their lives. All members of the community are warmly invited to attend Refugee Week events in a spirit of unity, compassion, and cultural celebration. Let us come together to show that Epsom stands strong in solidarity with those affected by conflict and displacement.
Cultural Events & Film Screenings
Curated in partnership with Ksenia Bugrimova—award-winning Ukrainian film producer and founder of Talented U, a Ukrainian-British screen industry association—Refugee Week events will take place at Epsom Picturehouse, a vibrant new boutique cinema and community hub in the heart of Epsom. Each screening is paired with live music or cultural programming that showcases the creativity and resilience of refugees from Ukraine, Syria, and beyond.
“Film reflects the joy and humanity in every culture—it reminds us that community isn’t just where we live, it’s who we are. That’s our superpower.”
—Joe Stroud, Marketing Manager at Epsom Picturehouse
Tuesday, 17 June
Live Performance by Yuliia Komyshan
Yuliia Komyshan is a professional bandura player from Poltava, Ukraine. The bandura—a traditional Ukrainian plucked-string folk instrument—holds a special place in the country’s musical heritage. Since arriving in the UK at the start of the war in Ukraine, Yuliia has dedicated herself to sharing the richness of Ukrainian culture through music. She is passionate about introducing global audiences to the sound of the bandura and fostering a deeper connection with Ukrainian musical traditions, both ancient and contemporary. Yuliia performs at concerts whenever she can, using each opportunity to celebrate and preserve her cultural roots.
Film Screening: The Taste of Freedom
A young cook discovers a rare 1929 Ukrainian cookbook and, through traditional cuisine, reconnects with her roots and inner strength.
Thursday, 19 June
Performance by the Ukrainian Renaissance Choir
The Ukrainian Renaissance Choir, founded by concert pianist Nataliia Zadorizhna, will perform the Ukrainian National Anthem and other cultural songs.
“It is an enormous privilege to stay in the UK and to be surrounded by such noble, caring, and generous people,” says Nataliia, who has lived in Ashtead with her 11-year-old daughter since May 2022.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to meet members of the Ukrainian community and EERN volunteers supporting displaced families.
Film Screening: Rocky Road to Berlin
A road-trip comedy set in the chaos of the 1990s USSR. Two musicians drive to Berlin in an old Pobeda car to trade it for a Mercedes—and discover much more than they bargained for.
Plus: Home for Ukraine
A moving documentary featuring former tennis champion Andrew Castle, who shares his story alongside that of a young woman from Mariupol. Previously screened by Film London and other UK festivals. Andrew Castle is hoping to attend and support the event.
Saturday, 21 June
Live Performance by Basel Saleh
Internationally renowned Syrian musician Basel Saleh will perform a fusion of Arabic and Western classical music on the oud. A conductor and composer, Basel has played at major festivals including Glastonbury and Roskilde and collaborated with artists such as Damon Albarn of Gorillaz.
Film Screening: The Walk
Directed by Tamara Kotevska, this hybrid documentary follows Little Amal, a giant puppet symbolising a young Syrian refugee, as she journeys across Europe in a powerful allegory of hope and resilience.
Booking and More Information
To book one of the performances or screenings, visit:
https://www.picturehouses.com/event-details/0000000167/refugee-week/100
To learn more about Epsom and Ewell Refugee Network, visit:
https://epsomrefugeenetwork.org
For more information about the cinema and upcoming events, visit:
www.picturehouses.co.uk/epsom
Community Event – The Great Get Together
Sunday 22 June 2025 1pm-4pm
St Joseph’s Church Hall, St Margaret’s Drive, Epsom KT18 7QJ
You will already have received details about our Great Get Together event. This is a FREE community event for all the family, part of a network of events inspired by the Jo Cox Foundation to celebrate all that unites us as a community. We have loads of activities for all ages, so please come and join us and bring friends and family. Although entry is free of charge, please can you book tickets online so that we know the numbers to expect. Also, we would ask you to bring a donation of food to contribute to Good Company’s Food Bank.
Book your free online tickets here where you can also see the range of activities available, all of which are free.