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Hundreds Attend Fairfield Screenings Of Syrian Refugee Film

FAIRFIELD, Conn. -- The Fairfield Museum and the International Institute of Connecticut (IICONN) hosted hundreds at recent screenings of "Salam Neighbor," which offers at look at the Syrian refugee crisis.

Claudia Connor, president and chief executive officer of the International Institute of Connecticut, and Chris Temple, director of “Salam Neighbor”

Claudia Connor, president and chief executive officer of the International Institute of Connecticut, and Chris Temple, director of “Salam Neighbor”

Photo Credit: contributed

The two sold-out screenings on Sunday, Jan. 10, were followed by a discussion about the Syrian refugee crisis and its implications for Connecticut and the country.

Local filmmakers Chris Temple and Zach Ingrasci were embedded seven miles from the Syrian war, in Jordan’s Za’atari refugee camp, current home to 85,000 Syrians. They were the first filmmakers the United Nations allowed to have a tent and register inside a refugee camp.

Temple said the screening was exactly what he and Ingrasci 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," Temple said. "I encourage others who are interested to come to our website and bring the film to their school, church, or community."

More than 300 local members and members of the media attended. Panel speakers were Temple, Jack Leslie, chairman of Weber Shandwick, and former chairman of USA for UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and Claudia Connor, president and chief executive officer of IICONN.

It was "an exceptional opportunity for our local communities to gain a deeper understanding of the circumstances and context in which millions of refugees live," said Connor.

"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."

Middle Eastern fare from Festivities Catering and beverages donated by Harry’s Wine & Liquor Market was served. The event was organized and supported by Katia and Robert Mead, Caroline and Jack Leslie, and Tim and Tracy Stuart.

The museum at 370 Beach Road is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for students and seniors, and free for members and children under 5.

For more information, call 203-259-1598 or visit the museum's website. 

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