Where other filmmakers may find a problem, Jade Jackman found a challenge. When wanting to make a documentary about the plight of female refugees at Yarl’s Wood — who have been detained indefinitely despite committing no crimes — she knew that she would never be allowed to film inside the notorious institution. Thus she had to get creative; the final result being the haunting and much-needed Calling Home. Borrowing from techniques of the fashion and art world, she teamed up with performance artist Diana Chire in order to give a much needed voice to these neglected women. The result is a powerful and scathing indictment of the most shameful institution in the British government.
From “Calling Home,” 2017
It highlights the importance of thinking outside the box when it comes to making political cinema. In a current era of sensationalist news, new methods are needed in order to filter through the noise. The disgrace of Yarl’s Wood has been kept in secrecy for too long, and intentionally so, in order to minimise outrage— making approaches like this more important than ever.
Watch the documentary below:
https://vimeo.com/204234621