We’re proud to present this Premiere Screening of AKONI, a local romance drama about a homeless refugee’s struggles to integrate into Australian society.
Features a post-film Q&A with writer, director, producer and star Genna Chanelle Hayes and special guest Aminata Conteh-Biger, a former refugee from Sierra Leone.

A homeless refugee struggles to integrate into Australian society after escaping conflict in his homeland. While living on the streets and on the receiving end of racist taunts, a young woman comes to his aid. Struggling with her own feelings of grief and loneliness, she soon finds solace in her unlikely new companion as he opens her up to a world beyond modelling, parties and social media.

Starring Kit Esuruoso, Genna Chanelle Hayes, Mark Coles Smith, Jemima Osunde, Ophelia Dzidzornu & Pippa Grandison.
With Simon Elrahi, Rashidi Edward, Jack Ellis, Sep Caton, Gemma Forsyth, Marlikka Perdrisat and Firdaws Adelpour.
Written, Directed & Produced by Genna Chanelle Hayes.
Cinematography by Calum Stewart.

“A modern-day love story and a truly visceral account of the refugee journey.” Human Rights For All

“Remarkable. A stunning debut aimed at healng our world.” CinefestOZ

“Marks the arrival of a socially conscious Australian female filmmaker.” FilmInk

Join us for pre-screening mingling from 5.30pm, featuring a Media Board and Guest Speakers, yet to be announced.
AKONI will screen from 6.30pm, followed by a Q&A with Genna Chanelle Hayes and special guest Aminata Conteh-Biger.

A former refugee from Sierra Leone, Aminata Conteh-Biger is the Founder & CEO of the Aminata Maternal Foundation. She is a Special Representative for Australia United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Aminata is also an author; her debut book, Rising Heart, was published in 2020 by Pan Macmillan Australia.

We’d love for you to join us afterwards for a post film drink and conversation.

Please note: This event is General Admission – no allocated seating.

You can now redeem your Parents NSW Vouchers online: 
Complete your ticket selection, then at the Checkout Payment, click on Want to redeem a Parent NSW Voucher? and enter your Voucher code. 
(Parents NSW valid until 9 October 2022)

For ticket enquiries, contact the Theatre Box Office:
Monday, Wednesday & Friday, 10.30am – 1.30pm, Tel. (02) 6685 6807
or Email boxoffice@byroncentre.com.au

 The Byron Theatre and Community Centre is a registered CovidSafe business.
It is a condition of entry that all persons attending events at the Byron Theatre comply with the current NSW Public Health Orders. 

N.B. Subject to availability, E-Tickets can now be purchased online up to the event start time to avoid unnecessary queues at the box office.
5.30pm – Venue doors open / Box Office sales open / Events Bar open / Media Board & pre-screening mingling
6.00pm – Intro & Guest Speaker
6.30pm – AKONI 
8.00pm – Q&A with the filmmaker, Genna Chanelle Hayes, & special guest Aminata Conteh-Biger
8.30pm – After screening mingling
10.00pm – Event concludes