Movies about Refugees

For this post, I – Jordan – will be reviewing films about refugees.  Just as a little bit of background: I am a senior in high school and a volunteer here at Catholic Charities in Portland.

The representation of refugees in the media is often skewed and misleading.  There are, however, some good and accurate representations of the plight of refugees that are easily accessible.  The following are reviews of just a few of the films and short films available concerning the plight of refugees around the world.  Additionally, a comprehensive list of quality books and movies available concerning immigration and refugees can be found here.

Asylum (from: Gini Reticker)

Can be watched here

A short introduction to the struggles of a woman from Ghana, Asylum briefly (in twenty minutes) outlines Baaba’s life story.  Compelling and concise, it also addresses the issue of female genital mutilation in Africa, and describes Baaba’s journey for asylum once she reached the US.  This short film is an excellent telling of one woman’s heartbreaking search for stability.

Being Hmong Means Being Free (Wisconsin Public Television)

Can be watched here

Being Hmong Means Being Free provides a valuable insight into the background of the Hmong people who currently live in the United States.  A large portion of the United States’ Hmong population came to the United States during the Vietnam War that forced them to flee Laos, however, the current Hmong population remains deeply committed to traditional culture.  This film provides excellent background on this small segment of the population and the adversities the younger Hmong population (mostly the children and grandchildren of refugees) faces in America today.  The struggles described in the last half hour of this hour-long film very well represent the issues that many immigrant communities face in this country.

I am Lobsang (Global Action Project)

Can be watched here

The story of a young Tibetan immigrant, I am Lobsang chronicles the everyday struggles of immigrants in the United States.  While on the whole, it felt – in ways – contrived and scripted, this ten-minute film does provide a helpful insight into the feelings and common experiences of many minority groups in this country and could be a useful movie for those contemplating working with youth of unfamiliar cultures.

Sierra Leone’s Refugee All-Stars

Can be found on Instant Netflix

The documentary Sierra Leone’s Refugee All-Stars follows the lives of a group of musicians from war-torn Sierra Leone.  While not set in the United States, nor about asylum seekers, these musicians are refugees and the film focuses on their attitudes, struggles, and triumphs.  An inspiration for other refugees and even non-displaced people, these musicians travel through war-torn regions, putting smiles on the faces of other refugees.

Rain in a Dry Land

Can be found in the Multnomah County Library System

Rain in a Dry Land chronicles the resettlement of two Somali Bantu families in Springfield, Massachusetts.  Heart-warming and revealing, this documentary brings to light many of the everyday issues that refugees in the United States face.  Particularly, the film addresses the issue of identity (children debate in school about who is truly African), culture shock, and the reconciliation of the new, exciting American culture with their traditional values.  An important film in the comprehension of refugees in the United States, Rain in a Dry Land is a helpful watch for anyone working with or simply seeking to understand the plight of refugees in this country.