From Autumn 2023 to Summer 2024, Black Country Touring collaborated with Bearwood Community Hub, Borough of Sanctuary Sandwell and The Space to create a series of four short films that challenge the negative narratives around migration and foster empathy by sharing authentic stories from local sanctuary seekers who have built new lives in Sandwell.

“Sanctuary in Sandwell” follows Forward Poetry Prize winning poet Bohdan Piasecki as he meets and speaks with four local people who have made Sandwell their home: Sozan, Jose, Ali and Lazo. Each person shares their unique experience of moving to the UK and the lives that they have built. Through these conversations, they offer candid insights into the challenges they faced and the ways they have embraced life in their new communities.

After speaking with each individual, Bohdan takes on the remarkable challenge of distilling their story into a powerful, bespoke poem within just 24 hours of their conversation. He then performs the poem back to them, capturing their reactions and highlighting the power of poetry to reflect lived experiences.

The project centred the experiences of sanctuary seekers and amplified voices that are often unheard, encouraging viewers to see the humanity behind the stories and reaffirming the importance of empathy in our shared human experience.

The results of the project are four poignant films and four beautiful poems.