Join us for a screening of documentary film Haiyu, intertwining the life narrative of Mariem Hassan with her relentless quest for Western Sahara’s liberation. Mariem’s life and music have been deeply affected by the ongoing tragedy committed to the Sahrawis throughout the colonial era continuing up to this very day. Her songs have been given comfort and hope and have been used as a tool in the fight for independence in Africa’s last colony, Western Sahara.

This year marks 50 years since the Sahrawis people were forced into exile. Winner of the Sheffield Doc Fest Youth Jury Prize, Haiyu will be followed up by a Q&A with the filmmakers and Danielle Smith, founder of Sandblast, an organisation dedicated to building awareness and solidarity for the indigenous Saharawis of Western Sahara.

Get your tickets here. This film is presented at the Barbican in partnership with Counterpoints.