Oxford to screen Dreamers at Picture Palace for Pride Month

The 4pm showing of Dreamers will take place at The Ultimate Picture Palace in Oxford on Saturday, May 23, ahead of Pride Month.

Asylum Welcome is organising the event to support LOCS (LGBTQIA+ Oxfordshire Community Support), their dedicated group for LGBTQ+ asylum seekers, refugees and vulnerable migrants.

Beth Nichol, women’s rights and inclusion coordinator at Asylum Welcome, said: “Over the past six months, the size of the LOCS community has expanded from 13 to 40 participants and is continuing to grow fast.

“Our support for LGBTQ+ refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants has expanded far beyond a support group.”

Ms Nichol said further funding was essential to keep the project running.

She added: “To make this service sustainable, we need more funds.

“Operating at the intersection of anti-queer and anti-migrant prejudices can make traditional fundraising a challenge.

“There are very few grants that we are eligible for, and those are massively oversubscribed.

“This is why we are looking to expand into grassroots fundraising and awareness-raising.”

Written and directed by Joy Gharoro-Akpojotor, Dreamers is set within the UK immigration detention system and explores themes of queer love, friendship and solidarity.

The film was described by The Independent as ‘the most striking British debut of 2025’.

LOCS provides a crucial network of support for people facing discrimination due to both their sexual or gender identity and their immigration status.

The group offers safe spaces, social opportunities and practical help for its members.

One member said: “Asylum Welcome has always felt like a family to me.

“Before LOCS started, I struggled for months to find a supportive space for queer immigrants in Oxfordshire.

“I wish this project had existed when I first arrived.

“Now my goal is to help make everyone who joins us feel included.”

The screening also aims to raise awareness of the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ asylum seekers, many of whom have fled countries where they experienced state-sponsored persecution as well as violence and rejection from their families and communities.

A representative from The Ultimate Picture Palace said: “We are thrilled to be hosting this screening of Dreamers in partnership with Asylum Welcome, whose vital work we are proud to support.

“Cultural venues like ours have a responsibility to stand alongside the local charities and organisations working hard to make a difference in our community.”

Attendees will hear an introduction about Asylum Welcome’s work and learn how they can support LGBTQ+ people seeking sanctuary and rebuilding their lives in Oxfordshire.