The premiere screening of the critically acclaimed locally filmed documentary, Through Their Eyes – Stories of Refugee Youth
Through Their Eyes Stories of Refugee Youth is just one of the highlights of the evening’s events scheduled to take place on June 20th, World Refugee Day, in the Penta Star theatre at the Capitol. A soft premiere of the film has been screened at the University of Windsor for both the faculty of law and the faculty of education in February and reviews have been overwhelmingly positive. Now, W5 is excited to bring the film to a larger audience as part of their contribution to mark this year’s World Refugee Day. And the screening of the film is just the tip of the iceberg.
W5 is scheduled to make a surprise announcement in recognition and acclamation of the struggles and resilience of refugee youth. Executive Director of W5, Dr. Sudip Minhas, comments “with this announcement, Windsor Women Working With Immigrant Women with both its international and local partners hope to make a more meaningful impact on the issues that affect refugees.
There are various items on the agenda for the evening which include a musical performance, a talk-back, and panel discussion with a knowledgeable set of individuals. There will be copies of the film, some items to curb your sweet tooth and items to garnish your garden, all available for purchase. The aim of the evening is to bridge gaps in understanding between host culture and newcomer culture with special insight into refugee issues. Panelist, Erwin Selimos, Sociologist and Researcher at the University of Windsor comments “The film brings to the forefront the often overlooked experiences of young refugees living in our community.
It provides us with the opportunity to listen to and learn about what it means to be a young refugee in Canada. Ultimately, the play asked us to consider our role as adults and community members in promoting the well-being of the younger generations”. Advocate and Social Worker, Shelley Gilbert, also a panelist, shares her insights on the film. She notably remarks, “Through Their Eyes reinforces the message for all of us that refugees have incredible courage and the resilience to love and rebuild. It is a privilege to hear the stories of these youth and to work with them in determining our collective responsibilities in making our community healthy and welcoming.”
Other panelists for the evening include: Sudip Minhas, Executive Director of W5; John Foot, former Vice Principal with the Windsor Essex Public School Board; Lana Oppen, co-director of the documentary “Through Their Eyes”; Sujith Xavier, Professor of law and Director of The Transnational Law and Justice Network at the University of Windsor; Lina Chaker, Community Activist and member of the Windsor Syrian Council; and Philip Ackerman, Youth Coordinator at the FCJ Refugee Centre in Toronto.
The Through their Eyes screening, with its myriad of agenda items for the evening is part of the larger World Refugee Day activities scheduled to take place at the Capitol Theatre, Penta Star room on June 20th. This portion of the World Refugee celebration will start at 6:30 PM and end at 9:30 PM. Tickets for the event are still available and going quickly. They are 20 dollars each, and 5 dollars for students, which include ESL or LINC students enrolled at settlement agencies. Tickets can be purchased through Eventbrite or at W5 located at 1368 Ouellette Ave. Student tickets must be bought in person. Contact Cassandra Richardson at 519.973.5588 ext. 601 if you have any questions about the event.
