Go Back To Your Country
Based on the violent anti-immigration riots following the murders in Stockport in July 2024, written and directed by Islah Abdur-Rahman, (director of 'Mandem On The Wall', 'Corner Shop Show', and 'The Halalians').
In the midst of a quiet, family-run post office, Omar and his father are going about their day when breaking news disrupts their routine. Riots, sparked by the murders in Southport 2024, rising racial tensions have erupted across the UK, making it increasingly dangerous for immigrants and those running migrant-owned businesses. Panic sets in as Omar realises their safety is no longer guaranteed.
Determined to protect his father, Omar tries to rush him to safety, but their plans are interrupted by Luke, a man who approaches them with clear violent intentions. His presence forces both men to confront deeper issues—long-buried grievances and the haunting legacies of their ancestors, whose violent histories still ripple through their lives.
As the situation unfolds, the film examines the complexities of identity, heritage, and the misunderstood nature of those living through these fraught moments. It's a poignant look at how people from different backgrounds can be brought together by shared struggles, and how the pain of the past can influence the choices of the present.
Starring Islah Abdur-Rahman (Man Like Mobeen, Make Me Famous, Too Close, Mood, Alma's Not Normal), Jay Brown (Youngers, The Intent 2) and Jeff Mirza (What's Love Got To Do With It, Marvel's The Eternals), 'Go Back To Your Country' delivers a gripping, character-driven drama about understanding, empathy, and the weight of history.
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Islah Abdur-RahmanDirectorCorner Shop Show, Mandem On The Wall, The Halalians, If Only
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Islah Abdur-RahmanWriterCorner Shop Show, Mandem On The Wall, The Halalians, If Only
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Islah Abdur-RahmanProducerCorner Shop Show, Mandem On The Wall, The Halalians, If Only
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Islah Abdur-RahmanKey Cast"Omar"Man Like Mobeen, Make Me Famous, Too Close, Mood, Alma's Not Normal
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Jay BrownKey Cast"Luke"Youngers, The Intent 2
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Jeff MirzaKey Cast"Abba"What's Love Got To Do With It, Marvel's The Eternals
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Samantha ClinchKey Cast"Reporter"Harry Potter & The Prisoner of Azkaban, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire,, Ms Mojo,
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Project Type:Short
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Runtime:7 minutes 2 seconds
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Completion Date:February 12, 2025
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Production Budget:0 GBP
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Country of Origin:United Kingdom
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Country of Filming:United Kingdom
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Language:English
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Shooting Format:Digital, Sony FX30
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Aspect Ratio:2.4:1
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Film Color:Color
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First-time Filmmaker:No
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Student Project:No
Islah Abdur-Rahman is an actor, director, and presenter whose career spans comedy, television, and digital media, with a focus on championing positive ethnic representation. Known for his work as a director and creator, Islah rose to prominence with the YouTube comedy series Mandem On The Wall, which garnered over 4.3 million views before evolving into The Wall of Comedy. He continued to push boundaries with Corner Shop Show, a series that earned 9 million views and won Best Online Channel and Best YouTuber at the 2019 UK Digital Awards.
As a writer and director, Islah has further showcased his storytelling prowess with The Halalians, which has garnered 3.2 million views. His acting career includes a memorable role in the hit series Man Like Mobeen and a standout performance in the BAFTA-winning show Alma's Not Normal. In 2021, Islah was awarded Best Ensemble Cast at the Audio Production Awards for his work as a BBC Radio broadcaster.
Beyond his on-screen roles, Islah has been a driving force in producing non-scripted content that has captivated online audiences. His ability to create compelling, relatable content has earned him a dedicated following and recognition as one of the most influential figures in online entertainment.
Islah's passion for ethnic representation in media is at the heart of his work. Through his platform, The Corner Shop Network, he is committed to providing opportunities for emerging talent, giving actors, presenters, and content creators from underrepresented backgrounds the chance to showcase their abilities and tell their stories.
In 2024, renowned director Zack Snyder praised Islah's directing and acting talents, hinting at a future collaboration and his introduction into Hollywood. And the excitement doesn't stop there-Islah is set to star in a major upcoming video game release in 2025, a role that promises to elevate his already impressive career to new heights, leaving fans eagerly anticipating what's next.
This film is an expression of my personal journey and a reflection on the painful history of racial tension and violence, particularly rooted in the race riots that unfolded in the UK. The inspiration behind this project comes from my own experiences with racism, the stories passed down from my elders who lived through the turbulence of the 70s and 80s, and the ongoing scars of societal division that I continue to witness.
I have always felt a deep responsibility to educate, rather than to retaliate with anger. In the face of hate and fear, I chose to reflect on the root causes of these tensions, including ignorance, manipulation, and a lack of education. As a young person, I was terrified to leave my home when the far-right ideologies took to the streets. The violence I saw was both haunting and repulsive, yet I knew that anger alone wouldn’t solve the problem. I realized that this story needed to be told—not just for my community, but for all communities—to understand the complex dynamics that feed such hatred and to build bridges where there is division.
This film is not just about depicting violence; it’s about showing the humanity beneath it, the misled individuals who have been brainwashed by media narratives and societal pressures. I hope to challenge audiences to confront these issues with empathy and understanding, to see beyond the hate and recognize the deep need for education, dialogue, and compassion in healing wounds that have lasted for generations.
By making this film, I aim to take on the responsibility for both the communities that have been harmed and those that have been misinformed. I believe it’s essential to have these conversations and confront these painful truths. My hope is that this film serves as a call to action, a reminder that education, understanding, and empathy are powerful tools in dismantling hate and fostering unity.