In conjunction with its study on refugee resettlement and how to make Syracuse a more welcoming community, OCL presented two documentary films on refugee resettlement. OCL also presented three free documentary films on different aspects of the issue of refugee resettlement in other cities. Welcome to Shelbyville is a glimpse of a small town in the heart of America’s Bible Belt that grapples with rapidly changing demographics as newcomers — mostly of Muslim faith — attempt to make new lives for themselves and their children. Set on the eve of the 2008 Presidential election, the film explores immigrant integration and the interplay between race, religion, and identity in this dynamic dialogue. Rain in a Dry Land chronicled the first 18 months of the American lives of two Somali Bantu families. After “cultural orientation” classes in the refugee camps in Kenya, where they are introduced to such novelties as electric appliances and the prospect of living in apartment buildings, the film follows the two families on divergent yet parallel paths as they experience the challenges of adjusting to their new life in America.

The films were shown in Inspiration Hall, 709 James Street, in Syracuse.  Each film was followed by a moderated discussion.