Home Ground: Join us for a film about St Augustine’s FC
12 March 2025
Over the last few months, local filmmaker and supporter of St Augustine’s, Matt Radcliffe has been filming with the St Augustine’s football team to explore the important role that football plays as the team seek asylum and build a new life with dignity here in the UK.
The film, called Home Ground, will be premiered at Hebden Bridge Picture House on 26 April 2025, 4 – 6pm and we’d love it if you could join us.
What is Home Ground?
Inspired by a blog post from our Activities Coordinator, Arsalan, Home Ground tells Arsalan’s story, from the young boy who dreamed of becoming a footballer to his role with St Augustine’s Centre helping others seeking sanctuary. The film also follows members of St Augustine’s FC and explores their lives as people seeking asylum in this country. It examines the critical role that football plays in supporting the team to navigate a complex and often hostile asylum system and shows how the team helps our players to find community and connection.
About the film premiere
26 April, 4 – 6pm
Hebden Bridge Picture House
Book your FREE place by clicking here.
This event will be delivered by Matt Radcliffe, in partnership with St Augustine’s Centre and Culturedale who have kindly provided funding.
Alongside the premiere of Home Ground, the afternoon will also include the screening of a second film by Matt Radcliffe called This Valley. Featuring a range of groups that meet to do physical activity in Calderdale, the film explores the current of kindness and community running through the borough. There will also be special performances and a Q&A with the filmmaker and film participants.
The event is free with optional donations to St Augustine’s Centre in lieu of a ticket cost.
To donate, please visit this Just Giving page.
Your donation – no matter how big or small – will make a big difference. All funds donated will go to the Centre to support its running and help more people seeking sanctuary to take part in activities that support their wellbeing and help them to connect with the community.
More premier information
Timings
4pm – Arrivals
4.30pm – Event start
6om – Event close
Venue
Hebden Bridge Picture House is an independent, not-for-profit single screen cinema owned and operated by Hebden Royd Town Council. As the first Cinema of Sanctuary, the team are committed to creating a welcoming space for all and believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience film in a friendly social setting.
Accessibility
Hebden Bridge Picture House has wheelchair / level access down a gentle ramp to the right-hand side of the building and designated wheelchair spaces in the auditorium. A spacious, gender neutral, accessible toilet is located in the foyer. For further access information, visit the cinema’s dedicated accessibility page.
Parking
There are carparks and some on street parking available in Hebden Bridge town centre but spaces are limited. Attendees are advised to use public transport if possible. The cinema is a short walk from the train station with a picturesque cut through available through Calder Holmes Park. Many buses stop right outside the door on New Road.
Refreshments
A range of refreshments including hot and cold drinks, locally baked treats, Yorkshire ice cream and tubs of popcorn are available to purchase from the cinema’s kiosk.
Film classification
Home Ground and This Valley are currently going through a classification process to determine an age rating and content advice.
While everyone is welcome to attend the premiere, please be aware that the films do explore some sensitive themes, including isolation and homelessness, which might not be suitable for all attendees.
Funding and support
Funding for film production and this premiere event has been provided through Culturedale, Calderdale’s year-long programme of creativity and activity. In kind donations and support have been provided by a range of partners including Calderdale Council, Hebden Bridge Picture House and the individuals and groups that have given their time to take part in the film.
A big thank you to everyone who has supported this project so far.
