Celebrate Refugee Week with the Libraries
Movies, books, blogs – and a festival!
16–22 June 2025 marks Refugee Week, the world’s largest arts and culture festival celebrating the contributions, creativity and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary.
This year’s theme ‘Community as a Superpower’ is resonated in our jam-packed calendar of events and activities. Check out what’s going on in the Libraries and across campus this month to see how you can get involved and learn more.
Browse the Refugee Week display collection
We’ve set up a display of books exploring the experiences of migrants and refugees from around the world. It’s available until 30 June on the ground floor of the Laidlaw Library, so come have a look and pick up a book!
You can also check out our discovery collection and reading list which includes our full Refugee Week collection, with books, films, TV shows and resources about Leeds-based community groups that support refugees and asylum seekers.
The collection was made possible with the help of the University’s Cultural Collections, Chaplaincy, University of Sanctuary working group and academics who specialise in research exploring migration and refugee experiences.
Immerse yourself in captivating stories with LASSN’s Short Film Festival
Leeds Asylum Seekers Support Network (LASSN) is hosting a Refugee Week Short Film Festival on Thursday 19 June from 6–9pm at Archive (94 Kirkstall Road, Leeds, LS3 1HD).
Get your tickets for the film festival and enjoy a night of powerful storytelling, exploring different perspectives on life as a refugee or asylum seeker from across of the world.
Learn more about migration journeys with the School of Law
Join the Centre for Law & Social Justice on Thursday 19 June for a day filled with engaging activities including interactive conversations on relevant issues regarding displaced people, a lived experiences panel, poetry readings and a photography exhibition.
Sign up to the event to broaden your horizons under the theme of solidarity. The itinerary also includes a networking lunch, as well as free cake and coffee!
Join LUU Education Officer’s Diversity Blog project
Leeds University Union Education Officer, Shivani has launched The Diversity Blog project, empowering second and third-generation immigrants by providing a space to share their voices through different formats like blog posts, poems, spoken word and art.
If you have a creative side and want to share your experience, use the submission form to send in your work. You can also join us for the blog’s launch event on Thursday 12 June from 5–7pm at the Riley Smith Theatre. Check out Shivani’s Instagram for more information about the blog.
Take a closer look at refugee experiences through captivating cinema with BFI player
Film lovers, head over to BFI Player and check out their selection of inspiring documentaries and movies detailing refugee stories, including ‘A Syrian Love Story’, ‘Hostile’ and ‘Green Border’. Grab some popcorn and enjoy these compelling titles (don’t forget, you can use your University login details to create a BFI Player account for free!)
