DATE: Thursday 2nd October
TIME: 7pm - 8pm
LOCATION: East Quay Kitchen
COST: £7, including a glass of wine or soft drink upon arrival
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Self authored by a Rwandan born adoptee raised across France and the UK, Louise brings to the screen the journey of 2 adult adoptees authentically sharing in their own words the moments - from childhood to present day - that have shaped their path to coming home to themselves.
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Summary: This documentary seeks to validate, celebrate, and hold space for all the in-between complexities of adoption from the lens of adoptees. It breaks down the uncomfortable and untold narratives society shields itself from and reshapes the story through unfiltered truth-telling of grief, displacement, identity and the unified journey of many adoptees as they come home to themselves. “Speak Little One (The World Is Listening”) aims to give permission for all adoptees to find their voice through reparenting, nurture and self love affirmations to their younger selves on the quest of unbreakable freedom and joy.

The screening will be followed by a Q&A with Louise and Gabrielle, two adoptees, reflecting on the themes and discussion portrayed in the film.

About Louise Ndibwirende
‍Louise (she/her) is adopted from Rwanda, and raised across France and the UK. She was adopted in 1993 alongside her brother and over the years has explored her identity through numerous trips home and reconnecting with her cultural identity. Louise talks candidly about her experience of grief, rebuilding home, and the challenging journey to finding peace. She recently released a documentary “Speak Little One” which spotlights the lived experience of adoptees - which toured across the UK including Scotland and Wales. Louise is also an award winning equality specialist, TEDx speaker, and social justice advocate - with a passion for storytelling and elevating diverse communities.

About Gabrielle Batsch
Gabrielle was born in 1956 in Magdeburg. Post-war circumstances in East Germany led to her abandonment along with many other unwanted or orphaned children. Her adoptive parents were members of the British Armed Forces and her early childhood was somewhat nomadic and far from ideal. Even before she learned of her adoption, she always felt that her given name of Heather and the identity that came with it somehow didn’t fit. Nevertheless, she was able to overcome her domestic difficulties and mild dyslexia to become ‘Captain’ of Risedale Comprehensive and the first pupil to receive the school’s D’Arcy-Hilliard Award for outstanding achievement. She soon left her first job in the civil service in favour of a varied and successful career in industry and commerce. All of this she managed to fit-in around being a single parent. Looking back, Gabrielle cheerfully sums up what she has managed to achieve as ‘a triumph of nature over nurture’.

This event is suitable for all and we encourage young adoptees (accompanied by a parent/carer) to attend.

Please note: All children should be accompanied by an adult.‍

Please book in advance via the link below