Fairfield, CT -- “Salam Neighbor”, a film offering an intimate look at a dire humanitarian crisis, made its local debut at the Fairfield Museum on Sunday, January 10th. Each of two sold-out film screenings was followed by an important and engaging discussion about the Syrian refugee crisis and its implications for the U.S. and Connecticut.
Local filmmakers Chris Temple and Zach Ingrasci embedded themselves in Jordan’s Za’atari refugee camp, seven miles from the Syrian war where 85,000 Syrians struggle to restart their lives inside the camp. They were the first filmmakers ever allowed by the United Nations to be given a tent and registered inside a refugee camp.
Temple said the screening at the Fairfield Museum was exactly what he and Zach had hoped for. "To see the community come together to watch this film and hear the stories of refugees made me proud to have grown up in Connecticut. I encourage others who are interested to come to our website, www.SalamNeighbor.org, and bring the film to their school, church or community.”
Mike Jehle, Executive Director of the Fairfield Museum, said the non-profit organization was honored to be able to host this informative event for area citizens. “The Fairfield Museum serves as an important center for community learning, where we come together to better understand our shared history and discuss the issues that define our future,” he said. More than 300 members of the community and press attended.
Panel speakers were Mr. Temple, the film’s director, Jack Leslie, chairman of Weber Shandwick and former chairman of USA for UNHCR—the UN Refugee Agency, and Claudia Connor, president and CEO of International Institute of Connecticut, Inc. (IICONN). Ms. Connor said IICONN was pleased to participate in the conversation in connection with the screening of the film. “The screening of ‘Salam Neighbor’ was an exceptional opportunity for our local communities to gain a deeper understanding of the circumstances and context in which millions of refugees live. At IICONN, most of the refugees we resettle have lived for years, or decades, in refugee camps. Learning more about refugees' stories and journeys enables all of us to better understand why people flee their home countries and resettle permanently elsewhere. At IICONN, we are proud to be part of a long-standing American tradition of welcoming persecuted people to our country and ensuring a peaceful and safe place for them to start their lives anew.”
Attendees were served Middle Eastern fare from Festivities Catering and beverages graciously donated by Harry’s Wine & Liquor Market before the screening and panel. The event was organized and supported by Katia and Robert Mead, Caroline and Jack Leslie, and Tim and Tracy Stuart.
Photo: Mike Jehle, Executive Director of the Fairfield Museum, Jack Leslie, Chairman of Weber Shandwick, and Chris Temple, Director of “Salam Neighbor”