This is Home: A Refugee Story

Filmmaker Alexandra Shiva’s documentary centers on four Syrian refugee families who are resettled in Baltimore by the International Rescue Committee (IRC). The refugees face an eight-month timeline to become economically self-sufficient, which creates anxiety for the newcomers, especially since few speak English and all are bewildered by American culture (one man’s journey into a supermarket leaves him overwhelmed by the amount of selections). For the most part, the Syrian children are eager to learn English and attend school, while the women are intrigued by the greater freedoms of American society, including the idea of being able to drive and work outside of the home. The Syrian men have more of a challenge, particularly in the area of gender protocol—one man declines to shake hands with American women and another is adamantly against his wife going to work. The IRC workers patiently tutor the refugees in the basics of American society, ranging from navigating streets and telephone etiquette to interacting with bank branch personnel. Shiva began filming in 2016, so the announcement of President Trump’s post-inauguration travel ban is seen jolting both the refugees and the IRC workers. A sincere portrait of individuals willing to overcome obstacles and eager to adapt to the American way of life, this timely and sympathetic immigration documentary is recommended. Aud: C, P. (P. Hall)