‘The Neighborhood Storyteller’ film screening brings attention to global literacy movement

Michigan State University International Studies and Programs will offer its first global DEI program for 2024-25 on October 16 in the Brody Auditorium. The two-hour event features a free screening of the documentary film "The Neighborhood Storyteller," Syrian food and a webinar discussion.

Produced by HOME Storytellers, the 2022 film follows Asmaa Rashed, a Syrian refugee woman living in Zaatari refugee camp in Jordan. Inspired by renowned Palestinian-Jordanian professor Rana Dajani’s global movement We Love Reading, Rashed, a wife and mother since the age of 16, develops a reading initiative in Zaatari, which is home to 78,000 Syrian refugees —  more than half of whom are children under the age of 18.

Bringing the film to MSU is a call-to-action for students, faculty and staff alike to become more involved in uplifting underrepresented voices and to focus our attention onissues that may not be covered in mainstream media.

“‘The Neighborhood Storyteller's’ impact campaign is driven by our guiding principle: ‘Together, we inspire individuals to become changemakers, like Asmaa,’” said Alejandra Alcala, director and screenwriter.

“Any partner who shares Asmaa's story and sparks meaningful discussions afterward plays a vital role in inspiring audiences to recognize their own capacity to create positive change within their communities. We particularly value collaborations with schools and universities, as they provide a platform to raise awareness and educate about the critical issues highlighted in the film,” said Alcala

The event begins at 4:30 p.m. and runs through 6:30 p.m with the webinar discussion preceding the film. The discussion will be moderated by Dajani and feature Rashed and Alcala who are Zooming in from their homes in France and Spain.

Registration is required in advance as space and food are limited.

After watching the film and meeting with Alcala during an online event, Anjam Chaudhary, ISP program director of global DEI, says she was inspired to bring the film to MSU.

“A great film is one that makes you leave the room feeling changed, renewed or even unsettled. 'The Neighborhood Storyteller' does just that. It opens a window into a part of the world that is not often explored or shared,” Chaudhary said. “I hope the MSU community joins us to experience Asmaa’s story and reflect on it together.”

Register on Eventbrite for the Oct. 16 “Neighborhood Storyteller” event.