America Heard: Refuge of Hope
Syracuse, New York is an unlikely home to over 10,000 former refugees. Two women at the forefront of this community reflect on what their presidential vote means to those whose only true home is the American town that took them in.
Interview with Director Yasmin MIstry and Producer James Boo
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
In the wake of the 2016 election a few filmmakers got together to create a web series called America Heard. This web series was founded by filmmakers who wanted a platform where many diverse stories of Americans across the country, and abroad, could be shared. In particular, they wanted to inspire conversations surrounding topics that are not being told or are not fairly covered by skewed media outlets.
Upon learning of this project, and their need for local filmmakers from all 435 congressional districts across America, I decided I wanted to share a story from my hometown of Syracuse, NY. Knowing that Syracuse is home to over 10,000 former refugees, and that their perspective often gets misconstrued or lost, I felt that this was an ideal platform through which I could give members of this community a voice.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
"This election made many of us keenly aware of how much we all live in our own bubbles. We shape social media so that it reflects our opinions. We surround ourselves with like-minded people. We tune out those who don't agree with us. This leaves us in an echo chamber. But the reality is, everyone does not share the same ideas.
It's vital that we start to hear other voices and film has the capacity to do just that. It can connect us to people in places we don’t usually go. Through the amazing power of film, we have the opportunity to open up our eyes and ears to bridge political and geographic divides."
— America Heard
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
Themes of family, belonging, strength and community seen in this film are universal themes that we hope every viewer will identify with in their own way.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development and production?
The film was conceived of and created in just a few weeks and was released just hours before the immigrant and refugee ban was initially instated in January 2017. The film itself did not evolve much given the short production timeline; however, the unexpectedly timely nature of its release did mean a greater focus on outreach efforts after the film was released .
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
The film has had a tremendous response, particularly from the community in which it was filmed.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
The young women in the film ask that before you judge them you get to know them. By reaching a wider audience we give people a chance to do just that.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
Given the current political climate we believe it's more important now than ever that the refugee perspective be heard and understood. Journalists, bloggers, community groups or any individual interested in sharing the film, can help us amplify the film's message by spreading the word.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
Our hope is that the film will start conversations and provide insight and perspective from a different a point of view.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
How do you feel about the temporary travel restrictions placed on immigrants and refugees from seven largely Muslim countries? Does seeing the stories of these two young community leaders, and new Americans, impact your views in any way?
Would you like to add anything else?
The film is part of a larger project called American Heard. It is a non-partisan web series which will showcase post-election views from all 435 congressional districts across America. Our film represents District 24 in upstate NY. If you're a filmmaker and would like to contribute a film from your district visit the America Heard website to find out more: https://americaheard.com/getinvolved.html
What are the key creatives developing or working on now?
The Director, Yasmin Mistry, is currently working on a series of documentary short films about foster care. The first three films in the series are available on the film festival circuit and educational market. She is just now beginning production on the fourth film in the series and hopes to have it completed by the end of the year.
The Producer, James Boo, is developing an ongoing micro-documentary project on the food communities of New York City. The One Minute Films web series can be viewed at: https://www.oneminutemealfilms.com/
Interview: February 2017
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We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series and music video. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela
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America Heard: Refuge of Hope
Syracuse, New York is an unlikely home to over 10,000 former refugees. Two women at the forefront of this community reflect on what their presidential vote means to those whose only true home is the American town that took them in.
Length: 5 minutes
Director: Yasmin MIstry
Producer: James Boo
Editor: Margo Hyde
About the writer, director and producer:
Yasmin Mistry
Yasmin Mistry is an Emmy-nominated animator and filmmaker. Her work has been displayed worldwide including recent showings at the White House and United Nations as well as at film festivals such as Cannes, SXSW, Tribeca and Clermont-Ferrand. She is the recipient of the Puffin Foundation’s 2013 film grant, the Brooklyn Arts Council’s 2014 - 2017 film grants, and the winner of the Jessie Streich-Kest Memorial Grant. You can follow her work at idesygn.com and fostercarefilm.com
James Boo
James Boo is a documentary filmmaker based in Brooklyn, NY. He is currently a JustFilms Fellow at the Made in NY Media Center by IFP, where he'll be completing an ongoing micro-documentary project on the food communities of New York City. You can follow his work at jamesboo.com and follow him at @spectatorspork.
Key cast: Habiba Boru, Khadijo Abdulkadir
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists): Given the current political climate we believe it's more important now than ever that the refugee perspective be heard and understood. Please share the film or reach out to us directly if you'd like to host a screening.
Funders: None
Made in association with: America Heard
Where can I see it in the next month?
You can watch it now on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1525f_3cog