Rob Deeks from Aik Saath spoke to us about the Festival, which takes place from 28th March to 3rd April, and what it means to him. What inspired the birth of the Same Difference Festival? "Aik Saath (meaning 'Together As One' in Hindi, Punjabi and Urdu) teaches conflict resolution and anti-racism skills in Slough and its surrounding areas. The project is always looking for new and innovative ways of changing people's attitudes towards peace and racial harmony. We became increasingly aware that young people form so many of their opinions from the things they see in films. We decided to harness film in order to make our community a more peaceful place." What is the general aim of the festival? "The Same Difference Film Festival is a week long festival showcasing films based on the themes of conflict, conflict resolution and community. The festival includes local and international films that reflect the diverse community that makes up Slough. We hope this will help to bring us together, create a greater awareness of each other and dispel myths and prejudices." What can people expect from the festival? "This year the festival will showcase fourteen feature films and over twenty short films as the Same Difference Film Festival returns for a second year, including more venues, more themed days and a short film competition. "Dedicated showings for young people which will take place at Slough Young People's Centre and the West Wing Arts Centre. Elephant and Bullet Boy convey the pain inflicted on individuals and communities when guns are used to resolve conflicts and will be shown at SYPC. Spielberg's classic, ET - the Extra Terrestrial will be shown at a private showing for everyone at Arbor Vale School. Kirikou and the Sorceress will be a private showing for Lea Junior School. "Dedicated showings for older people will take place at Age Concern Cippenham. Ladies in Lavender will be followed by a film featuring the memories of Slough's older people in a short film made by Active Archive. "Environment Day, hosted by the Thomas Gary Centre, will include two feature films, Princess Mononokee and Fly Away Home and also environmental groups from near and far, face painting, book reading and arts activities. "Health Day will feature two films; Finding Voices (a film about HIV/Aids) and Super Size Me (a film about the ills of fast food). Young people will be given the opportunity to meet health groups and try healthy activities like Pilates. "Two films focusing on conflict between communities and religious beliefs. The first will be a showing of Earth, a film about violence between Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims during the partition of India, at the West Wing which will be followed by a discussion, chaired by Mandeep Kaur Sira, Manger of Aik Saath, (we were set up due to tensions between young Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims). The second will be a showing of Savior at St Mary's church. The film will be introduced by someone who has first hand experience of the films subject matter. "The festival also hopes to nurture talent in the field. A short films competition will take place at the West Wing Arts Centre. The competition has garnered entries of outstanding quality from all over the world. The judging panel will be made up of Screen South, Pinewood Studios and Filmmakers and a prize of £500 will be awarded to the winner. "The Festival will open with Turtles Can Fly. Shot on location in an Iraqi refugee camp on the Turkish border, Director Bahamn Ghobadi's powerfully moving third feature is the first film to come out of Iraq since the collapse of Saddam's regime. "Other films being shown include Pavee Lackeen (The film follows Winnie a ten year old Irish Traveller girl, as she struggles with her identity in contemporary Ireland) and Le Grand Voyage (A film about the Muslim pilgrimage of Hajj through the guise of a road movie). What's in it for local film-makers? "The Short Films Feast (Sunday 2nd April) features a competition for film-makers that has been entered by a number of local film-makers as well as film producers from further a field. The winning film will receive a financial award and a trophy." Who is involved in organising the festival? "The Same Difference Film Festival is organised by Aik Saath, Slough Co-operative Society, Resource Productions, Instinct Media, Plastic Projects and Art Beyond Belief." What sort of reactions did you get from last year's festival? "Last year over six hundred people came along to film showings and 98% of evaluation respondents were satisfied or very satisfied with what they saw." Why is there a need for this kind of festival in Slough? "There is a need for this kind of festival in every town and Slough is as good a place as any to start! In our multicultural country it is vital we know more about each other so as to dispel myths and stereotypes. In some areas, barriers have been constructed between groups and this festival is an attempt to ensure that those barriers are broken down in Slough." Anything else you'd like to add? Further information can be found at www.same-difference.org.uk or by picking up a flier at any Slough Library. Or by calling 01753 574 780, or visiting Aik Saath at Slough Young People's Centre at 323 High Street, Slough, SL1 1TX. | 
