🛋️ Sofa Stories: Voices from the Heart of Newport

Watch the Film

A collection of real stories, shared without interruption.
Voices from across Newport, brought together in one space.

About the Project
On a green sofa placed in the heart of Newport, eight advocates took a seat to share their journeys and experiences.

Not as experts.
Not as performers.
But as themselves.

Mothers. Fathers. Neighbours. Community leaders.

People who have lived through survival, loss, hope, rebuilding, service, faith, doubt and joy.

 
A Space for Real Stories
Sofa Stories began as part of The Open Table & The Open Pantry initiative by Newport Support Network CIC.

What started as a simple act of conversation became something deeper — a space where identity could be named, belonging could be felt and lived experience could be heard without interruption.

Each story follows a simple thread:

Identity. Belonging. Message.

 
The Roots of Community
Every place has unseen connections beneath the surface — interconnected and alive.

It is people who form those roots.
It is people who shape a city every day.

Sofa Stories is a reflection of that connection.

 
Credits
Project Co-ordinator – Tariq Khan
Director, Editor & Curator – Onismo Muhlanga
Film Assistant Camera – Liam Carr & Emeli Muhlanga
Photography – Marc Lewis
Design – Joanne West

 
With Gratitude
With thanks to Newport City Council and the Community Cohesion Team for supporting this project.