A Young Somali Finds Refuge in UK, and Boxing

Charlie Watts, a young filmmaker based in Manchester, has created a powerful short documentary called STRIVE, which tells the story of Idris Ahmed, a refugee desperate to improve his life, and that of his family.

Ahmed, originally from Somalia, was born into violence, with civil war ravaging his country.

In the film, Ahmed recalls his early memories from Somalia. “I was seeing the majority of the time dead people,” he says. “It becomes normal when you are hearing gunshots every night.”

“It becomes normal when you are hearing gunshots every night.”

Ahmed, then 8, and his family escaped Somalia and found refuge in the Manchester.

He speaks about his growing up in the UK, coming to terms with his own past and the challenges of integrating in a new and unfamiliar society. “You should never, ever judge people because you don’t know what they are running away from,” Ahmad says.

In boxing, Ahmad found a way of channeling his anger and pain, and coping with these challenges. Now a young man, he dreams of taking his passion in life to the next level. “I am at a point where I have something, and I want to achieve great things,” he says. “I’m gonna keep going.”

“I just want to live my life to the fullest,” he adds.

“I am at a point where I have something, and I want to achieve great things"

STRIVE beautifully tells the story of Ahmad’s journey from childhood to adulthood in the UK. The film captures the challenges of dislocation and the resilience and perseverance of refugees.  It is set to premier in London next month.

You can find out more about Charlie’s work on his website: http://www.charliewatts32.com