This Friday 19th and Saturday 20th June 2026, the World Premiere of FABRIC, will screen at the 34th Raindance Film Festival, London, United Kingdom. The Raindance Film Festival 2026 Best Documentary Short nominee follows how luxury fashion becomes a pathway to dignity and economic empowerment for refugees rebuilding lives in Paris.
Directed by cinematographer Anabelle Marshall, and produced by Sanam Hasan, of Tiny Circus Productions. FABRIC was co-produced and edited by Sabrine Dahaut and Fraser Moore of Hemeroscope Studios. The documentary follows Espero Atelier, a workshop in Paris, France, founded by entrepreneur Maya Persaud.
Through an innovative training model, the atelier equips asylum seekers with skills in couture design, pattern reading and industrial sewing, providing pathways to both employment and access to Europe’s most prestigious fashion houses.
Ninety percent of Espero’s workforce is female, with the majority being refugees. Under the guidance of manager Haider Ahmadi, (himself a former Afghan refugee), the atelier extends beyond sewing. Team members receive French language education, housing assistance coordination, and connections to social services, addressing the systemic barriers refugees face as they rebuild their lives.
“The refugees that I work with have been through significantly challenging experiences and have come out the other side to rebuild their lives in such an awe-inspiring way. I am delighted to bring their stories to audiences with FABRIC and showcase their hard work and exceptional skills within the fashion industry.”
Maya Persaud, Espero Founder.
The documentary captures intimate moments with Pattern teacher Cynthia Molasso, trainees Suad Ahmed Ziad, Ibrahim Barry, and Sumaiya Ahmadi, at home, in the workshop and during Espero’s haute couture collection presentation at the prestigious Musée d’Orsay.
Espero, has an unwavering commitment to legitimate industry prestige. The atelier collaborates with established and emerging designers introduced through friends and established connections like the international fashion press office KCD Worldwide, who have supported them pro-bono since 2021. Guest designers have included Ukrainian refugee-designer Elena Burenina, Joy Acevedo, Hijzar, and Serena Cancelier.
The partnership with Musée d’Orsay, initiated by UNHCR in 2023, reflects a growing recognition of the role cultural institutions can play in refugee integration. Beyond hosting fashion shows, the museum provides year round access to its spaces for the Espero team, creating a sanctuary and creative hub for displaced artisans. Espero also leads sewing workshops for museum employees and collaborates with the museum on a range of creative projects.
Importantly FABRIC, centres refugee narratives with the artistic authority they deserve.
“Fabric humanizes the refugee experience and shifts the prevailing narrative. Revealing how the lives of displaced people have been woven together by resilience and a shared humanity, using their skills to build a creative community. We are delighted with the announcement of the World Premiere at the Raindance Film Festival and honored with the nomination.”
Anabelle Marshall, FABRIC Director.
As fashion increasingly confronts questions of sustainability and labour justice, this documentary offers a counter narrative where refugees are the master craftspeople, where training is investment in human potential, and fashion becomes a vehicle for economic mobility and cultural contribution.
Where to Watch FABRIC
World Premiere: Friday 19th June 2026 15:45
Second Screening: Saturday, June 20, 2026 20:20
Venue: Vue Piccadilly, London, United Kingdom
Programme: Shorts Programme: Documentaries 2
Festival: 34th Raindance Film Festival, London, United Kingdom
FABRIC featured in the 2026 Cannes Film Festival’s Short Film Corner and was spotlighted by The Female Film Club, founded by filmmakers Nicole Lieberman, and Liza van der Smissen, during their annual reception at Cannes, France on 18th May 2026.
A co-production between female-led production companies Tiny Circus Productions (UK) and Hemeroscope Studios (France/UK). Supported by content production company Analysis History, founded by Simon Sole.
Book Tickets for Screening on Friday 19th June 2026, 3:45 PM
Book Tickets for Screening on Saturday 20th June 2026, 8:20 PM
More information on Tiny Circus Productions
The full feature will appear in our September print issue.
By Tessa Lwanga, Editor-in-Chief, Mulage Magazine