Two women forge an unusual friendship across devastating divides in an engrossing Sudanese drama.

THE OLD OAK is the story of a village in the Northeast of England, where the mine closed, and people feel deserted by the system. Many young ones have left and what was once a thriving, proud community struggles to keep old values alive. But there is growing anger, resentment, and a lack of hope. Houses are cheap and available. This makes it an ideal location for the Syrian refugees that have been accepted by Britain in recent years. How will the Syrians be received? And what will be the future for the last remaining pub in the village, The Old Oak?

Dunedin, 1981. The Springboks are touring New Zealand, sparking nationwide protests. Josh Waaka, 17, is a square peg in the round, rugby-obsessed hole that is St Gilbert’s College. When Madigan, Josh’s English teacher, recommends he audition for drama school, Josh sees a way to escape his oppressive environment…until his mum Shirley finds him a position in the First XV alongside his brother Jamie. Josh continues to rehearse in secret for the audition.