A short film evoking the tale of a young refugee girl and her mother as they flee their homeland in search of safety will be screened in Ipswich this month.

Malka has been created by a group of artists and musicians from East Anglia and aims to encourage care and compassion for newcomers who arrive in the county, reminding viewers of the innocent human cost of war and destruction.

It features music and lyrics by Stefan Freedman, accompanied by mixed media illustrations by Lois Cordelia, both from Ipswich.

Lois said the video was dedicated to refugee children around the world.

She added: “One of the challenges I faced was how to convey both the traumas and the aspirations of the young girl, Malka, in ways that touched people’s emotions without being unbearably painful to watch.

“The film hints at the trials and hardships that Malka and her mother endure, but also plants seeds of hope for a brighter future.”

Public sharing of the movie is encouraged, Lois said, in order to spread the message far and wide.

Stefan added: “Hearing the world news it’s hard to grasp that each individual child and each family seeking refuge has their own story.

“Can we relate to a refugee as a unique individual rather than as a problem or a category? Music and art touches the heart and can help us to make that imaginative leap.”

A launch event will be held on Friday, April 28 between 7pm and 10pm at the Red Rose Chain, Gippeswyk Hall, Ipswich, and money collected on the night will go to charity Suffolk Refugee Support (SRS).

There will be an introductory talk by SRS, two screenings of Malka with and without subtitles, an exhibition and live speed-painting by Lois and live traditional Eastern European music and dance.

For tickets, call 01473 603388 or visit here.