Announcement
On Monday, July 22nd, the IRC in Denver hosted an exclusive screening of PBS12's series of shorts "HUMANIZE" at their office on Bellaire Street. The highly anticipated release of the final three episodes of the popular series, featuring several IRC in Denver former clients and now employees, brought together a most diverse group of guests who were eager to connect with like-minded individuals, enjoy some snacks and drinks, and engage with the IRC in Denver and PBS12 staff.
The evening began with a warm welcome from the IRC in Denver and PBS12 team, setting a friendly and inviting atmosphere. Guests mingled, shared stories, and built connections over refreshments, creating a sense of community and shared purpose.
The highlight of the evening was without doubt the screening of Erin Preston's last three HUMANIZE shorts, episodes that peel back stereotypes and force the viewer to look beneath dividing lines, discovering what truly humanizes us all - powerful films that shed light on the experiences of refugees and their challenges faced in a journey to rebuild a life in a new country.
"Erin Preston in her work expertly captures what it means to be human,"
says Hanna Simmons, the IRC in Denver's Development Manager.
"She has an outstanding eye for portraying the marginalized, underrepresented, and often forgotten people in our society in such a way that they are seen as the beautiful and powerful human beings they are. Her extraordinary take on human life already became clear to me in her 2013 production of "Hunger Through My Lens," a platform Erin created to empower individuals to share their stories about the realities of hunger throughout Colorado. It is no surprise that HUMANIZE is another sensitive, deep, and passionate work of art."
Following the screening, a lively and passionate question and answer session took place. The panel featured filmmaker Erin Preston, Homayoon Milad (Afghan refugee, Manager of Programs at the IRC in Denver, and cast member) and Yaung'Ahmed Juma (Refugee from Sudan, motivational speaker, and cast member). Their honest answers to the engaged audience's questions, insights into life after fleeing home, and deeply touching personal stories captivated the audience and sparked meaningful discussions on several critical topics.
Thus, the attendees discussed the importance of supporting female refugees in gaining equal rights in the US, even within more conservative families. They emphasized the need for community support and advocacy to ensure that women have access to the same opportunities as men. Further, education was highlighted as a crucial factor in starting a new life. The panelists shared their own experiences and stressed the importance of providing educational opportunities for refugees to help them integrate and succeed in their new communities.
"I am forever grateful to my father,"
explained Humayoon Milad.
"He pushed and pushed his kids - boys and girls alike - to focus on their education. When the official school education became to religiously fundamentalist, it was him who educated us additionally at home, teaching us science, math and literature. Without education, we would have been nothing."
Engaging in politics and advocacy, and executing your right to vote, was identified as another especially important topic for the newcomers. The panelists encouraged refugees to get involved in their local communities and advocate for policies that support their rights and needs.
"In a few years from now, I hope to see us represented in decision making positions,"
said Humayoon Milad.
"I hope that newcomers become representatives, help guide this country towards equality and acceptance, and one day make their way into the Senate."
Finally, the discussion touched on the dominant struggles in the resettlement process, such as the difficulty of having professional qualifications recognized in the US and the need to start from scratch. The panelists shared their own challenges and triumphs, offering hope and practical advice to those facing similar obstacles.
The event concluded with a sense of inspiration and solidarity. Attendees left with a deeper understanding of the refugee experience and a renewed commitment to supporting their integration and success in the US. The IRC in Denver’s screening of HUMANIZE was thus much more than just a film event; it was a celebration of resilience, a call to action, and a reminder of the power of community and empathy in creating a more inclusive and supportive society.
The IRC in Denver thanks PBS12 for all their support in making this evening a success, as well as all attendees of the event for their commitment to making Colorado an even more welcoming place for immigrants and refugees alike.
Written by Hanna Simmons
