FAIRFIELD, CT - Seven miles from war, 85,000 Syrians struggle to restart their lives inside Jordan’s Za’atari refugee camp. Two American filmmakers, Chris Temple and Zach Ingrasci, fully embed themselves in a camp, providing an intimate look at the world’s most dire refugee crisis. As the first filmmakers allowed by the United Nations to register and set up a tent inside a refugee camp, Chris and Zach plunge into the heart of the world's most pressing humanitarian crisis since World War II. The movie that came out of this experience, “Salam Neighbor,” will be screened at the Fairfield Museum, 370 Beach Road, on Sunday, January 10, 2016 at 4 p.m.
The filmmakers uncover inspiring stories, including the story of Um Ali, a woman struggling to overcome personal loss and cultural barriers as well as the story of street-smart, 10-year-old Raouf, whose trauma hides just beneath his ever present smile. It features individuals rallying -- against all odds -- to rebuild their lives and those of their neighbors.
The film is 72 minutes long and will be followed by a panel discussion led by Jack Leslie, Chairman of U.S. African Development Foundation and former Chairman of USA for UNHCR (the UN Refugee Agency). Also joining the panel will be Chris Temple, the filmmaker of Salam Neighbor. Beverages and a selection of Middle Eastern and traditional hors d’oeuvres will be served before the film screening and following the panel.
- Directed and Produced by Chris Temple and Zach Ingrasci
- Produced by Salam Darwaza and Mohab Khattab
- Edited by Emmy Award Winning Editor Mohamed El Manasterly (The Square)
- Original Score by 12-time Emmy Nominated Composer, W.G. Snuffy Walden (Nashville, West Wing)
Presented with the support of Caroline and Jack Leslie, Katia and Robert Mead, Tracy and Tim Stuart and Fairfield Museum & History Center.
View the official trailer at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6SxPSZVD9o