A screening of short films depicting real stories of survivors of modern slavery, followed by a panel discussion.

Doors open at 5.30pm

Official part at 6.30pm

Networking at 7.30pm

Doors close at 9pm

The event will see the launch of three short films depicting the real stories and voices of survivors of modern slavery in the UK. Each film tells a unique story. Each are in their own way hard-hitting, emotional and inspiring, and have been brought to life through puppetry and art. A panel will discuss the films and the special power of art to bring stories and recovery to light. The panel will feature the film maker, one of the survivors behind the films and representatives of Pan Arts and the Coalition to Stop Slavery.

Panel:

Ilja Abbattista is a British businesswoman, public speaker, trauma-informed coach, and high-profile survivor-advocate who campaigns against modern slavery and exploitation.

Marcus Stephenson is a multi award winning Creative Director with 25 years experience in broadcast television and branded communication and the creator of the See the Strings films.

Adwoa Dickson co-founded Pan Arts' Amies group for female survivors of trafficking, which has had great success both as a means to empower the women and as a joyous performing group. Adwoa also works as a professional singer, having sung with the Royal Opera House, Sadlers Wells, Pegasus Opera, Chineke Orchestra, Grand Union Orchestra amongst others.

Renae Mann, CEO at Unseen, is a leading practitioner in the fight against modern slavery and representative of the Coalition to Stop Slavery.

Tatiana Gren-Jardan will be chairing the panel, she is Head of Policy and Advocacy at Justice and Care UK

To acknowledge Anti-Slavery Week 2026 ‘Friendship & Hope Festival seeks to celebrate, inform and amplify survivor voices and their creativity in a free programme of visual art, film screenings, singing, dance and panel discussion.

Our female work was named ‘Amies’ by participants; meaning female friend - our male survivors project was named ‘Amal’ meaning hope in Arabic which have inspired this festival name. We hope you will join us this week and come together against modern slavery.

Description supplied by the event organiser.