We’re partnering up with SAFAR Film Festival to present this beautiful animation that champions hope and understanding. Join us at 10am before the screening for a free workshop.
Six-year-old Dounia lives with her father and grandparents in Aleppo but when her father is arrested, her family must flee the city. Forced on a treacherous journey Dounia never loses her determination to find a new home and carries with her a handful of nigella seeds to connect her with the magic of her beloved country. This bold and beautiful animation blends a child’s eye view of displacement and conflict with fantasy and music, creating a poetic story, giving young audiences an entry point to discuss Dounia’s refugee experience and the need for respect and understanding for all.
Don’t forget to come along at 10am for our free pre-film workshop led by Leen Kay. Exploring themes from the film and drawing on her experience as an architect, photographer and designer, Leen will show families how to create art works.
Please note: This screening is for families to attend as a group. Adults can only come if they’re bringing a child, and children can only come along if accompanied by an adult. If you’re over 18, we’re afraid being a ‘big kid’ doesn’t count!
Please book early to avoid disappointment.
Content advice:
This is an animated film about a family who become refugees. There are references to conflict, sea crossings, imprisonment and refugee camps.
Dirs André Kadi Marya Zarif Canada 2022 72min
Arabic with English subtitles. Subtitles read aloud for children via headsets. Please collect headsets first come, first served on entry to cinema.
Age recommendation: 6+
For more details of SAFAR: www.safarfilmfestival.co.uk
Please note, Family Film Club loyalty cards can be stamped at all Family Film Week screenings. You can redeem full loyalty cards at screenings subject to availability (excluding Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget).
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Pre-Film Workshop
Join us in the foyer from 10am before the film for a free drop-in workshop led by artist Leen Kay.
Exploring themes from the film and drawing on Leen’s own lived experiences, and her work as an architect, photographer and designer, Leen will show families into the world of Dounia and the Princess of Aleppo through craft-based activities.
If you’d like to find out more about Leen’s work, you can take look at some of her previous projects on Instagram: @Berryfield.Studio
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Age recommendation: 4-12*
*Please note the screening of Dounia and the Princess of Aleppo is recommended for ages 6+
Family Activities
Cinema 2
Location
Barbican Cinema 2 & 3 are located on Beech Street, a short walk from the Barbican’s Silk Street entrance. From Silk Street, you’ll see a zebra crossing that will take you across the road to the venue.
Address
Beech Street
London
EC2Y 8DS
Public transport
The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.
We’ve plenty of places for you to relax and replenish, from coffee and cake to wood-fired pizzas and full pre-theatre menus
Access
Cinemas 2 & 3 are located at Beech Street, a short walk from the Barbican Centre’s main Silk Street entrance. There are a couple of steep, dropped kerbs and an incline to negotiate between the two sites. Level access from Beech Street.
Mobility
Each auditorium has three permanent wheelchair spaces (two in the third row and one in the front row) and 153 fixed seats with capacity for a further three spaces in the front row. Access to each auditorium is up a ramp. There are also a number of seats with step-free access.
Assistance dogs
Assistance dogs may be taken into the cinema – please tell us when booking to ensure your seat has enough space. If you prefer, you may leave your dog with a member of the foyer staff during the performance.
Hearing facility
An infrared system for hard of hearing customers is provided in each auditorium; headsets or neck loops can be collected from foyer staff. The ticket desk counter is fitted with an induction loop.
For more access information, please visit our Accessibility section.