Cate Blanchett's 'Films of Hope' to watch on coronavirus lockdown

Movie lovers on lockdown need look no further. Actor, director and UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador Cate Blanchett has today given some inspiring and thought-provoking film recommendations for these uncertain times.

Oscar-winner Blanchett has collaborated with IMDb, the Internet Movie Database, to share her top six #FilmsofHope Watchlist, focusing on films that explore themes around human resilience, isolation and what it means to have hope and a home.

The selection stresses the importance of connecting with others, acknowledges the support people are giving to their local communities, and asks them to remember refugees worldwide who are particularly at risk during the pandemic.

"Just imagine for a moment what it would be like in an overcrowded refugee camp with the threat of COVID-19."

“Refugees are some of the world’s most vulnerable people; you just have to imagine for a moment what it would be like in an overcrowded refugee camp with the threat of COVID-19 – with limited access to soap and water and where social distancing is virtually impossible,” Blanchett said in a personal home-shot film presenting her Watchlist for IMDb.

“Such families are more vulnerable than ever and the staff at the UN Refugee Agency are staying and delivering.”

Blanchett’s Watchlist of films is available today on IMDb. It comprises:

• Capernaum, directed by Nadine Labaki
• Shoplifters, directed by Hirokazu Koreeda
• News from Home, directed by Chantal Akerman
• The Other Side of Hope, directed by Aki Kaurismaki
• Babel, directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu
• The Joy Luck Club, directed by Wayne Wang

IMDb users can add these and other titles to their IMDb Watchlist.

Acknowledging the generosity of the public in already supporting vital work to help those affected by COVID-19, Blanchett also asks people to consider donating to the work of UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, training health-care workers and providing critical supplies to help curb the spread of the virus among vulnerable refugee populations around the world.

You can donate to UNHCR’s COVID-19 response here.