In honour of World Refugee Day 2025, we are launching a short film commissioned by Pink Noise about Nurbolot, who we supported in claiming asylum.
This film highlights Nurbolot’s journey to safety in the UK as a gay person from Kyrgyzstan, the support we offered, and the life they have in the UK now.
Nurbolot claimed asylum in the UK in 2023 after fleeing from Kyrgyzstan, where he was threatened and persecuted for being gay. He contacted us shortly after coming to the UK, and we helped him claim asylum and find a lawyer. In the film, Nurbolot talks about the challenges of seeking asylum – he waited 1.5 years for his substantive interview, and faced homophobia in his hotel. Our Casework Coordinator supported him with addressing the issues in the hotel. Nurbolot also attended our support group, and describes the importance of community and finding other people who are in the same situation.
“The hardest part was waiting… Not knowing what you wait for, because you don’t know if you’re going to get rejected by the Home Officeand sent back, or if you’re staying here. Either way, you don’t know where you belong to.“
Now that they have refugee status in the UK, Nurbolot is excited to pursue their lifelong dream of being an actor. They talks about the freedom they have now, what they wish they could say to their younger self, and why we need more compassion and humanity in the asylum system.
“We are not different – we are just people who want to be ourselves.“
Watch the full film below:
This film was commissioned by Pink Noise, a brand new fund created by Mighty Hoopla co-founders Glyn Fussell and Jamie Tagg supporting LGBTQ+ causes and charities. Thank you so much to Pink Noise for their generosity, which made this film possible!
Credits:
- Director and Editor – Joseph Wilson
- Director of Photography and Grade – Anibal Castaño
- Sound Design – Baby Cousland
- Saxophone – CC Honeymoon