There’s been no shortage of recommendations of things to watch, read and listen to to get us all through self-isolation boredom. But Cate Blanchett is here with a specific list of films with purpose: those that bring hope and empathy. 

In a collaboration with IMDB, the Oscar-winning Australian actor, director and UNHCR Ambassador has shared a list of #filmsofhope to inspire people to think of refugees around the world who are particularly vulnerable during the pandemic.

They all centre around themes of human resilience, what it means to have a home, and the importance of connecting with others. 

“Just imagine for a moment what it would be like in an overcrowded refugee camp with the threat of COVID-19 – with limited access to soap and water and where social distancing is virtually impossible,” Blanchett says in a video message recorded from her home to launch the list. “Such families are more vulnerable than ever and the staff at the UN Refugee Agency are staying and delivering.”

Her list includes:

  • Capernaum, directed by Nadine Labaki
  • Shoplifters, directed by Hirokazu Koreeda
  • News from Home, directed by Chantal Akerman
  • The Other Side of Hope, directed by Aki Kaurismaki
  • Babel, directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu
  • The Joy Luck Club, directed by Wayne Wang

You can view the list on IMDB here and donate to UNHCR’s COVID-19 response here.

Which films would you recommend that bring hope? 

By Sarah Bradbury. Published on #ThisMuchIKnow on 20th April 2020.