Volume [7]
No. [1]
June 2010
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Volume [7]
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No. [1]
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June 2010
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Local ISM Chapter Partners with Independent Documentary Film
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Corner Store is] a remarkable achievement of documentary filmmaking; immortalizing the everyday to express a facet of human life. (SF Bay Guardian) Corner Store tells the true story of Yousef Elhaj: beloved shop owner, Palestinian immigrant and long-distance father. It is a resoundingly universal tale of hard won choices for a better life, now set on the back drop of San Francisco and modern-day Palestine. Seizing the opportunity to amplify the quiet voice of this incredible man and his story, Director Katherine Bruens and a small and dedicated team of filmmakers set out to create a documentary that throws its audience directly into this man's shoes. After ten years of astonishing sacrifice and patient loneliness, the feature-length film follows Yousef’s long awaited journey to reunite with his wife and now grown children, and his confrontation with the new realities in his family and his fractured homeland.  |
The filmmakers realized that engaging and partnering with the communities that care deeply for people like Yousef would make the project truly unique and impactful. As a result, a companion outreach initiative was developed to link with the organizations most closely involved with the issues raised by the film. Early partners, including NorCal ISM, had the opportunity to review and provide feedback on the initial cut of the film and offered support and legitimacy in efforts to involve other local groups. The Corner Campaign, now comprised of over ten organizations, was officially launched this past March with a red-carpet benefit screening that brought together over 700 film lovers, Arab Americans, and activists and drew attention to the grassroots networks who are working for peace, justice, cultural acceptance, and equity today. The project provides a powerful example of how thoughtful documentary work, combined with passionate community advocacy, can draw attention to the untold stories and lead to a stronger, more solid movement. The filmmakers are preparing to launch a national screening series to reach audiences outside the Bay Area as part of their outreach strategy. If you are interested in sponsoring a screening please contact communityscreening@thecornerdocumentary.org. To find out more about the film, or to help the film on its way with a small tax-deductible donation visit: www.thecornerdocuemtary.org |