Campus Connection

An event at UWL Monday, April 25, takes a beyond-the-headlines look at Iraqi refugees in America and their stories. A series of short documentaries, written and directed by Twin Cities-based Iraqi refugees, will be shown at 4 p.m. Monday, April 25, in Ward Room, Cartwright Center. The screenings, which are free and open to the public, will be followed by a discussion with an Iraqi-American film director Adnan Shati and moderated by Iraqi Voices producer Nathan Fisher. Heidi Morrison, assistant professor of History, decided to present the program after hearing calls from presidential candidates to ban Muslim travel to U.S. Many Iraqi refugees are Muslims, she notes. These films bring a realistic view of what it means to be a refugee, she says. “As Americans, we are all, with the exception of Native Americans, decedents of immigrants, forced migrants, and/or refugees,” says Morrison. “Sometimes in today's world, we forget our common connections to the people who are most vulnerable.” The films were created through a collaborative mentorship program, Iraqi Voices, which gives Iraqis in Minnesota support and training to produce high-quality documentary video shorts. The films are written and directed by Iraqi-American participants and are photographed and edited by Fisher. Iraqi Voices is an initiative of the Minneapolis-based Iraqi and American Reconciliation Project (IARP), which aims to bridge communication, understanding and support between Americans and Iraqis. “The U.S. has a long history of conflict with Iraq,” says Morrison. “There is ample evidence to support the idea that the U.S. has played a large role in creating the instability in Iraq that has resulted in a refugee crisis throughout the world.” Morrison attended a similar event in Minneapolis and was touched by the bravery and strength of refugees who had no desire to leave their homes, except to save their lives. “I was also touched by how difficult it was for some of the refugees to speak in front of us and share their stories,” she says. “There are many who are still wounded and continue to experience PTS. Listening to their stories and showing compassion can be a form of human diplomacy by the average American that many of our government officials fail to exercise.” Note to reporters: Iraqi-American film director Adnan Shati and Iraqi Voices producer Nathan Fisher are available for media interviews at 5:30 p.m. Monday, April 25 or from 9-11 a.m. Tuesday, April 26. Contact Heidi Morrison at 608.785.8345 to arrange a time for an interview. If you go— What: Iraqi refugee stories film and discussion Where: Ward Room, Cartwright Center When: 4 p.m. Monday, April 25 Admission: Free