ERIYON CRUZ
Special to The Leader
Fredonia will be hosting Syrian-American filmmaker and director Akram Shibly tonight for a screening of his short film, “Waiting at the Door,” in McEwen G26.
The focus of this film is to provide the audience some small insight into the daily life of Syrian refugees. The Syrian refugee crisis is a human catastrophe that has been sweeping through Europe and rest of the world. According to humanitarian aid agency Mercy Corps, this crisis has internally displaced up to 6.6 million people, one of the worst humanitarian crises of our time.
The film will be hosted by the office of International Education and the “Fredonia as Public Square” event series. Erin Willis, assistant director of study abroad and exchange programs, described the rationale behind bringing this event to campus.
“This idea was brought about by a discussion with Provost and Vice President Dr. Terry Brown sometime last year, when discussing the upcoming presidential election and the impact of Syrian refugee in the media,” said Willis.
The idea for this event was born, as a way to increase student involvement and knowledge of an important issue that is largely influencing world politics and American elections.
“Due to the media, when people think of Syrian refugees, we are normally faced with two perspectives, one of people in need of aid, of being completely helpless, and the other being dangerous people who shouldn’t be allowed into our country. This film allows for a different perspective,” said Willis, as she described the necessity for the existence and view of the film.
“It’s a film that highlights the good within the bad, of people coming together, helping each other, providing a new home and communal support,” Willis added.