A slam poetry competition is set to take place in west London next month to promote awareness for mental health and treatment of refugees.
The West London branch of Mind and actor Karim Hadaya have teamed up to create #PoetryInTheCity, the proceeds of which will aid funding of Hadaya’s new film, Ashes of a Dying Ember.
Three opening rounds take place at Next Door Records on the 3, 10, 17 March, which lead up to a Grand Final hosted at 156 Shepherd’s Bush Market on World Poetry Day, 21 March.
Nicholas Smith, Head of Marketing & Communications HFEH Mind said: “Whether you’re a poetry fan, whether you’re a fan of scripture, or of film, or just really curious about the performed word and speech, just come down and have an incredible evening with us.”
Slam Poetry contestants must complete open prompt verses in English by esteemed Syrian philosopher Al Mutanabbi.
The competition runs as part of HFEH Mind’s 30 for 30K campaign, aiming to get local businesses to drive conversations and fundraising to support mental health.
HFEH Mind are covering three boroughs, 30 businesses in each, over 300 days, sparking 30,000 conversations, with a fundraising target of £300,000.
The scheme has been backed by Hammersmith & Fulham, Ealing and Hounslow cafes, cinemas, leisure centres, sports parks and landscape designers, with more companies to be released in the coming months.
Smith said: “The idea is to really embed ourselves in the community. I would love this to be a pilot for other Minds to then run and champion because it is such a win-win situation.”
The Syrian subject of the Poetry Slam competition supports Ashes of a Dying Ember, which aims to highlight the struggles of Syrian refugees in both local and national contexts.
The film tells the story of Hadi Al-Amaery, a Syrian refugee in London taken to the woods after being the victim of a corner shop robbery.
Hadaya, company director of Munchie Lunchie Productions LTD said: “The aim was to showcase who is a Syrian refugee, what is their narrative and to showcase as well that mental health is an important aspect to look at when you’re looking at a refugee.
“This is the stepping stone. We are at the start of something completely different.”
The film is currently in the post-production phase, aiming for release before June.
#PoetryInTheCity contestants can enter for £10 in advance by booking on the official website, or pay £12 on the door.
Image Credit: Munchie Lunchie Productions LTD / HFEH Mind
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