9 films about the newcomer experience
Through film, we are given a glimpse into the lived experiences of others—creating deeper understanding of our shared humanity. These stories enable us to step into the lives of newcomers, gain a deeper understanding of the challenges they face, and witness the courage, resilience, and determination they exhibit as they dream of the future.
The films in this collection range from documentaries to family-friendly animation, offering powerful perspectives on displacement and belonging. Together, they remind us of the human side of distant conflicts and highlight the extraordinary strength of newcomers as they build new lives around the world.
Documentaries
"One Good Reason" (25 min.)
"One Good Reason", a short film which debuted on World Refugee Day in 2023, tells the story of the Hnatiuk family as they flee Ukraine. With support from the Welcome Connect platform, they arrived in Wisconsin. The film shows the raw and vulnerable moments as they make the difficult decision to leave everything behind in search of safety.
"Making NEPA Home" (60 min.)
This powerful documentary follows four refugees and immigrants as they rebuild their lives in Northeastern Pennsylvania, capturing their resilience, hope, and belonging. The film reveals the deeply human side of resettlement and celebrates the cultural richness they bring to the region’s evolving landscape.
"A House Made of Splinters" (90 min.)
"A House Made of Splinters" (2022)
At an orphanage in eastern Ukraine, a group of social workers and educators care for children who have been separated from their families by war. The documentary captures the harsh reality of family separations caused by conflict and how young people can find hope amidst uncertainty.
"We Dare to Dream" (90 min.)
Following the training of refugee athletes for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, this documentary delves into these Olympians’ preparation and personal stories. Their hope and determination shows the resilience of these refugee athletes.
"Midnight Traveler" (90 min.)
Filmed by Afghan director Hassan Fazili, this documentary captures his journey as he flees Afghanistan with his wife and two daughters. Recorded on his cell phone, Fazili sheds light on the dangerous journey that newcomers undertake in search of safety.
Feature films
"The Swimmers" (120 min.)
This biographical drama tells the story of sisters Yursa and Sarah Mardini when they flee Syria and save fellow refugees as their boat sinks. The film takes audiences through their struggle and search for a new life to the 2016 Olympics, where Yursa competed as a member of the first-ever Refugee Olympics team.
"Bazigaga" (25 min.)
Based on true events, "Bazigaga" tells the story of a young pastor and his daughter in Rwanda as they seek shelter from the militia that attempts to kill them. This story illustrates the acts of survival that many refugees are forced to take during times of violence and crisis.
Animated
"Flee" (90 min.)
This animated documentary details the journey of Amin Nawabi as he flees from Afghanistan to Denmark. Through the story, the audience learns about the pains he endured while searching for safety and building his new life.
"Encanto" (100 min.)
Through the lens of a family-friendly Disney story, "Encanto" shares the experience of a displaced family as they rebuild their lives. Viewers watch as the family navigates migration and finding hope.
These films offer a thought‑provoking look at the newcomer experience. Host a Welcome Table to share them with your circle and spark meaningful conversations. Use our hosting guide to raise awareness and inspire community action.
