Few subjects cause division and polarisation of opinion in the UK than that of the ongoing influx of asylum seekers and refugees who arrive by any means necessary. A change of Government from Conservative to Labour does not necessarily mean a change of heart for these determined individuals who want to seek a better life from that which has been seemingly set for them.
In Don Ng‘s new socially-minded – and very timely – drama NO TIME FOR GOODBYE, the focus falls on two London-based Hong Kong natives, Yasmin (Kitty Yu), a lady already in the mix who lives on a canal boat through the good grace of a British artist and Bosco (Yiu -Sing Lam), a newcomer to the shores who has already found temp accommodation in what appears to be a former military building that has been modified for the purpose of asylum seekers. Bosco meets other kindred spirits in the process, even though there is a sense of mistrust and need to keep anonymous oblivion and ignorance in their minds.
As kindred spirits caught in the centre of a merry-go-round of applications and hopeful achievement, Yasmin and Bosco reflect on their well-being and status quo whilst always referring back to the life before and people they remember. However, there is always a stern reminder that their bond and connection could be only a temporary one given their desire to seize an opportunity to evolve in a new culture….
News reports presently appear to be creating an air of blame and resentment at the heart of the refugee crisis at present. The repeated attempts by people to cross the English Channel in the hope of getting to the world safety is only the beginning for most people and a never-ending process, coupled with evident gloating and a two-finger salute to the powers-that-be if they can secure some form of stability.
Ng’s film does attempt to provide context and reflection, particularly with the controversial Rwanda agreement and the current state of affairs with the Russia-Ukraine conflict still getting much airtime and affecting global feelings all over. In addition, it also brings home the disturbing mindset of some who want to retain Britain as a more supremacist element in spite of the development of our beloved island as one that embraces all and sundry.
Yu and Lam are terrific leading the line with two sensitive and involving performances of people who are making the most of good intentions in a bad situation. A film that is designed to reflect as well as open up on the ever-present debate about those who deserve to be here and those who willingly try to be so.
NO TIME FOR GOODBYE plays as part of the London Independent Film Festival 2025, running from 4th – 13th April 2025 at the Genesis Cinema, Mile End.
Tickets here: https://www.genesiscinema.co.uk/whatson/events