TODAY the University of Chester’s Department of Languages and Cultures is due to host a free screening and Q and A session with the director of the film, Granada Nights.

Students and members of the public are invited to watch the film that has been described as a love letter to Granada from 11am at Storyhouse in Chester.

It will then be followed by an hour-long Q&A with the director and producer, Abid Khan.

The film tells the story of a broken-hearted British tourist stuck in Granada, Spain. Feeling lost, he befriends a group of young foreigners and experiences the international student scene.

Out of his comfort zone, he tries to restart his life but is constantly reminded his ex-girlfriend and his struggle to find closure.

Khan said: “Granada Nights is a self-discovery film about a group of students finding a sense of belonging in Spain, but [due to the pandemic] many universities had to cancel their study abroad programmes and move to distant learning. Young people were suffering and struggling through these uncertain times.

“The idea was to give students a form of escapism through film but also through the different cultures and locations of Andalucia, Spain.

“The study abroad experience can be a life changing experience and is a time where students can be free to find themselves and understand other cultures.

For all those who have studied or lived abroad the film is a nostalgia piece that reminds them of the special moment in their lives. Youth is fleeting and it's important to inspire people to live in the moment.”

Languages students from the University of Chester are encouraged to watch the screening.

Dr Timo Obergöker, Professor of French and Francophone Studies at the University of Chester, said: “We are very excited and proud to be able to host this event. It is a great opportunity to share our passion for languages and cultures with both students and the broader audience.”

Khan’s film mixes documentary with fiction, creating an authentic and honest comment on the self-discovery whilst offering an insight into intercultural experiences and communication.

Dr Obergöker said: “Our students spend a year abroad and the film is a perfect preparation for what they will experience once they arrive overseas. The film very skilfully shows the different stages you through when you arrive in a foreign country and is a perfect preparation for what our students are going to experience.”

“It gives a realistic overview of living abroad – which is often fun and exciting but which also teaches you a lot about yourself.”

Khan said: “It's also a moment in your life that you are more independent, living on your own and learning about the world and what it means to you. I wanted to explore this and also examine the idea of finding a sense of belonging in a foreign country, because there is a special connection that is formed with other young foreigners when you study/travel abroad, a strong sense of fraternity and family.”

Students will then have an opportunity to chat with Khan, who said: “I'm thrilled that the University of Chester and Storyhouse can make this happen and that we can have an in-depth conversation with the audience about why a film like this is so important now.”

Khan’s film has been described as “ambitious”, “stylish”, “emotional” and a “charming, beautifully poetic directorial debut”. Daniel Battsek, head of Film4, also awarded it Winner of Best Film at Barnes Film Festival 2020 and named Khan a "director to watch".

Khan said: “We made this film for cinema, so it's always been the end goal but to get a chance to watch and share the film with an audience at Storyhouse is just amazing.”

Khan and University of Chester staff will be at the event on January 20. Further details about the screening can be found here: https://www.storyhouse.com/event/granada-nights.