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Shelter Without Shelter film titles image

We are delighted to announce that Shelter Without Shelter, the feature documentary by Tom Scott-Smith (Associate Professor of Refugee Studies and Forced Migration, RSC) and Mark E Breeze (architect and Emmy-nominated documentary filmmaker, University of Cambridge), has been shortlisted for the AHRC Research in Film Awards (RIFA) 2020.

Since 2015, the Research in Film Awards have showcased the best films that are inspired by or directly linked to arts and humanities research. Past RIFA winners have gone on to be nominated for other prestigious awards and festivals, or secured further funding and national exposure in the media. There are five award categories: Best Research Film of the Year; Best Doctoral Award or Early Career Film of the Year; Best Climate Emergency Film (public category); Best Animated Film of the Year; and Inspiration Award (public category).

Shortlisted in the categories Best Research Film of the Year and Best Doctoral or Early Career Film, this six-part documentary investigates how forced migrants from Syria were sheltered across Europe and the Middle East after 2015, living in mega-camps, city squats, occupied airports, illegal settlements, requisitioned buildings, flat-pack structures, and enormous architect-designed reception centres. Containing perspectives from the humanitarians who created these shelters as well as the critics who campaigned against them, the documentary reveals the complex dilemmas involved in attempts to house refugees in emergency conditions.

Judged by a panel of industry experts and leading academics, the five RIFA winners will be announced on 11 November. Winners receive a prestigious trophy and a £5,000 prize.

SHELTER WITHOUT SHELTER (excerpt) from MARK E BREEZE on Vimeo.