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Essex Rising Film Club: Refugee Stories

On Friday, June 2, join Essex Rising and ValleyArts for a screening of two award winning films that depict the Syrian refugee experience in America. Learn more about what it is like to be a refugee in America today while helping to raise funds for Refugee Outreach International, a local organization focused on increasing educational opportunities for local Syrian refugees.

Following the film, there will be a Q&A with the filmmakers and representatives from Refugee Outreach International.

THE WINDS THAT SCATTER is a micro-budget narrative feature film written, directed and produced by Christopher Jason Bell. Ahmad is a refugee from Syria who dreams of starting his own taxi service. When he loses his menial employment at a gas station, he attempts to navigate through the current American economy with optimism. Soon, reality settles in as consistent work is scarce. An impression of hopelessness slowly begins to take a toll on his relationships, faith, and sense of self, with his dream slipping quickly from his grasp.Winner of the Best International No Budget Film Award at the Korea Indie And Expat Film Festival. Mr. Bell is currently working on his next film, The City Is Like A Character In The Film.

HEBAS STORY is a short documentary film by Ariel Riseman. This timely look into the life of a Syrian refugee living in Elizabeth, New Jersey, won the SOMA Young Filmmakers Award for best documentary for this film. Ms. Riseman is a rising senior at Millburn High School in Millburn, NJ.

Note: Your credit card will list a charge for ValleyArts, but all tickets sales will be donated to Refugee Outreach International.