THE OLD OAK is a special place. Not only is it the last pub standing, but
it’s also the only remaining public space where people can meet in a once
thriving mining community that has now fallen on hard times after 30 years
of decline. TJ Ballantyne (Dave Turner) the landlord hangs on to The Old
Oak by his fingertips, and his predicament is endangered even more when the
pub becomes contested territory after the arrival of Syrian refugees who are
placed in the village without any notice.
In an unlikely friendship TJ
meets a curious young Syrian Yara [Ebla Mari] with her camera. Can they
find a way for the two communities to understand each other? So unfolds a
deeply moving drama about their fragilities and hopes.
THE OLD OAK is
directed by BAFTA winner Ken Loach, written by BAFTA winner Paul Laverty and
produced by BAFTA winner Rebecca O’Brien for Sixteen Films, all of whom
continue their long-time collaboration following acclaimed films including
Sorry We Missed You and I, Daniel Blake.
