Free screening of two short films by and about Sample-Studios Radical Institute at Studios of Sanctuary filmmaker in residence, Jerome Jefferson Kiyemba and his experience of 8 years in the Direct Provision system in Ireland.
Jerome is a filmmaker and music producer from Tanzania, living in Ireland since 2008. Jerome’s art is centred around activism and raising awareness of critical social issues. Recent productions include ‘Cloud Above Me‘ which highlights the plight facing refugees globally and those spending extended periods in the Direct Provision System in Ireland, produced in collaboration with the Irish Refugee Council for World Refugee Day.
System (2021)
Directed by Cian Geoghegan
Starring Jerome Jefferson Kiyemba
Jerome was the screenwriter and narrator in his most recent film collaboration with Director Cian Geoghan, ‘System’ (2021) which was screened at IndieCork Film Festival 2021 and Galway Film Fleadh 2021.
When Direct Provision was first introduced in Ireland, an asylum seeker was supposed to await approval of their claim for a period of no more than six months. Jerome lived in Direct Provision for eight years while his claim was being processed. Through moving personal testimony, Jerome illustrates the precarity, anxiety and frustration behind daily life in the Direct Provision system. He outlines the feeling of being stranded or forgotten by the system as basic human decency was denied to him. Even through the toughest of hardships, Jerome maintains an inspiring optimism and kindness. This film is an attempt to represent his journey through moving testimony and poetic visuals.
Here We Are (2018)
Directed by Jerome Jefferson Kiyemba
Jerome’s first short film ‘Here We Are’ (2018) explored the realities of Direct Provision and was developed in collaboration with asylum seekers living in Waterford City. The film particularly highlighted the loss of skillsets and talent for those interned for extended periods, awaiting their decision on their residency status.
Jerome is currently in residence in Sample-Studios, as part of the Radical Institute at Studios of Sanctuary Residency for socially engaged artists from an asylum seeker, refugee or migrant background, supported by Cork Arts Fund at the Community Foundation for Ireland
Places free but limited. Book here.