Most people think that colonialism in Africa has ended. But in the territory of Western Sahara, the end of European rule only gave way to the Moroccan occupation. More than four decades later, the world continues to look the other way as the Sahrawi people face arrests, torture, and disappearances for demanding their independence.

Life is Waiting: Referendum and Resistance in Western Sahara is an award-winning documentary about Africa’s last colony, directed by Lara Lee. The Saharawi people still live in refugee camps in Algeria, as they have done for more than forty years. Continued representation of their plight in the media is essential for their future freedom and self-governance.

The screening and details of the conflict will be introduced by Sidahmed Yaddas, director of the UK-based NGO Adala, which aims to raise awareness in the UK of human rights violation committed against the Saharawi people within the occupied territories. The event is organised for the Centre for Modern Literature and Culture by Alexandra Howlett. It will be followed by a drinks reception.