Stories
Lights, camera, arrival: refugee resettlement story brought to life on screen
Published
11 August 2026
A short film inspired by the refugee experience is helping audiences better understand the challenges, resilience and hope that often accompany starting a new life in a new country.
Arrival, a short film directed by Ahmed Osman, was filmed in part at the Māngere Refugee Resettlement Centre (MRRC) – Te Āhuru Mōwai o Aotearoa and recently screened at the New Zealand International Film Festival.
The film follows a mother and daughter during their first six weeks in New Zealand after arriving as refugees, exploring the emotional realities of leaving loved ones behind, adapting to a new culture and language, and finding a sense of belonging in an unfamiliar place.
For Osman, the story is deeply personal. Born in Somalia and raised in New Zealand, he has drawn on his own experiences of refugee resettlement. At a screening in Auckland, he dedicated the film to his mother.
The film has gained international recognition, having been selected for both the New Zealand International Film Festival and the Melbourne International Film Festival. It was also shortlisted as one of 14 films by the festival jury from more than 130 submissions.
To ensure the story was told authentically, Osman and the production team worked closely with staff at the Māngere Refugee Resettlement Centre throughout filming. The filmmakers formally acknowledged the support provided by the Centre and the wider Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.
Supporting new beginnings
Every refugee arriving to New Zealand under the Refugee Quota Programme spends their first weeks at the Māngere Refugee Resettlement Centre. At the centre, they receive practical support, orientation and access to services that help prepare them for life in communities throughout New Zealand.
While Arrival is a fictional story, many of the experiences portrayed in the film are familiar to staff who support refugees through those important first weeks.
Residential Team Leader Ko Parsons said watching the completed film was a powerful experience.
"We felt truly privileged to be invited to the New Zealand International Film Festival" she said.
"It was a fantastic short film, and we all loved the way the director captured Arrival from the perspective of our newly arrived families. It was incredibly moving, and many of us became quite emotional while watching it".
At the screening, Ko Parsons, Qemajl Murati and resident Abdulhakim had the chance to meet Arrival director Ahmed Osman (far left) and cast.
A story that resonated
The screening was made even more special by the presence of residents from the centre, who were invited by the filmmakers to attend.
One of them was Abdulhakim, a young Somali resident preparing for the next chapter of his life in New Zealand.
On the drive to the cinema, Abdulhakim shared stories about the life he had left behind and the future he hoped to build. A passionate football fan, he proudly wore a Tottenham Hotspur jersey gifted to him after meeting the team during their recent visit to the Māngere Refugee Resettlement Centre.
He spoke excitedly about his plans to settle in Christchurch, but it was another passion that stayed with staff.
Back home, Abdulhakim had spent years working with horses.
"I had my own horse at the club in Yemen" he told Qemajl Murati, Head of the Refugee Programme who accompanied him to the Film. "Her name was Faith".
As Arrival unfolded on the screen, staff watched as the film explored the grief and separation often experienced by people forced to leave their homes and loved ones behind.
Later, a second film featuring a horse was screened.
Afterwards, Abdulhakim quietly reflected on what he had seen.
"I was very sad. Both films were sad" he said.
"I was sad because I thought of my horse that I had to leave behind. She knew I was leaving her because she cried when she saw me the last time".
For staff, it was a poignant reminder that behind every refugee journey is a unique story of sacrifice, loss and hope.
For Qemajl, Abdulhakim and Ko Parsons, the screening was a special experience that will stay with them for a long time.
More than a film
For many people, the refugee resettlement process remains largely unseen. The Māngere Refugee Resettlement Centre is where refugees begin rebuilding their lives in New Zealand, supported by Immigration New Zealand staff and partner organisations who help them prepare for life in their new communities.
Films like Arrival help bring those stories to a wider audience, and gives a powerful glimpse into the human side of refugee resettlement.
While the film focuses on the challenges that come with starting over, it also highlights the resilience of refugee families and the importance of support, connection and belonging.
Staff at the centre were grateful for the opportunity to see those experiences reflected on screen .
"It was a very special experience that we will all remember for a long time" Ko said.
Abdulhakim, Ko Parsons and Qemajl ahead of the screening of Arrival.
Arrival will screen at Wellington's Roxy Cinema on 13 and 16 August 2026 as part of the New Zealand International Film Festival. Tickets are available on the New Zealand International Film Festival website.