A series of short films is putting the Syrian crisis in the spotlight and one in particular features the group PEC Syria in Prince Edward County that has sponsored 28 Syrian refugees.
The film, called Show the World, was created by renowned Canadian filmmakers Michèle Hozer & Roxana Spicer as part of a competition aimed at educating and empowering Canadians to take action on the Syrian refugee crises.
Since the Syrian civil war broke out in 2011, 11 million Syrians have been displaced, or about half of the entire country. Four million of them have fled across Syria’s borders, and 75% are women and children. Immigration Canada promised to bring in 25,000 government-assisted refugees this year. About 6,000 are still to come.
The film challenge was initiated by Frank Giustra and the Radcliffe Foundation, in collaboration with the Vancouver International Film Festival. Giustra, a businessman and philanthropist told the Montreal Gazette he initiated the competition because he was worried the crisis is slipping from the daily news and our conscience.
Show the World, now shortlisted with two other films, Helping Hands and Humanity could receive a $20,000 prize and screening at the VIFF.
Here’s an excerpt from the film with PEC Syria sponsor Ian Crerar who said while he was uncertain at first, the experience has unexpectedly changed his life forever.
To vote for your favourite click here.
Voting ends on September 23.
The winner will be announced on September 29 at VIFF’s opening night gala.
