Salam Neighbor (2015) User Reviews

Playing Refugee

[vanillabean349 · 8/10 · 26 April 2018]

I sincerely have mixed feelings about this documentary. On one hand, I appreciate the effort that these film makers have put in to revealing what life is like in a refugee camp, and telling the stories of the people who live there. However, I still have some major issues with the way in which they have gone about this project. At the beginning of the film, I was very interested in the idea that Zach and Chris would be experiencing life in Za'atari just as others in the camp do. I was disappointed when they began to explain that they would have a camera crew and a translator with them instead. From this point forward, it seemed like they were merely experiencing 'Za'atari lite', the refugee camp without the hardship and danger that goes along with it. In this way, some of the procedures they went through to register officially as residents in the camp became almost trivial. While Zach and Chris had all of their documents and IDs, often times people who have been forced to flee the fighting in Syria and elsewhere may not have these documents to present. They also received a tent, mattresses, food and other supplies from the UNHCR like any other refugees, but the crew also had other supplies packed for the trip which allowed them to be more comfortable than others in the camp. Even still, they were not allowed to stay in the camp at night due to the danger of being robbed or harmed. What about the people who don't have the choice to leave? Rather than experiencing the bitter cold of a desert at night, the crew was able to sleep in an office building in a nearby city. I can accept that it would be much more difficult to produce such a high quality documentary if they were to truly embrace the lifestyle that many in these camps have to lead, but I believe that they could have done more, like learning Arabic to interact with people in the camp in a more authentic way instead of using a translator, or learning more about cultural intricacies and manners before plunging themselves into the unfamiliar environment. Criticism of their 'American tourist' behavior is warranted. Despite my many reservations, I still believe that this film deserves some credit. After watching the documentary, I cannot deny that I was touched by its humanization of people within the camp and efforts to familiarize the viewer with the support efforts that these camps have been working toward. The people they chose to portray helped this image of innocence and relatability, (which is somewhat problematic in itself), but it allowed for the viewer to empathize. A documentary like this one can draw out support for organizations like the UNHCR and others, and it did just that. However, in its pursuit to tell the truth, it told half.

Achieved it's purpose with a few sacrifices

[hrudolph-85358 · 8/10 · 26 April 2018]

I thought this documentary did a very good job achieving its purpose: to appeal to rich countries such as the US who can provide aid to refugee camps such as Za'atari. It focused on many likable Jordanian refugees such as little children and nurses, so that it would evoke pity and sympathy in the viewer. I think the filmmakers did exactly what they had to do by getting close to these few families. A story about a small amount of likable refugees where you get to know them and their struggles is a much more effective way of getting the sympathy you need from viewers than just making a documentary about the problem as a whole. The filmmakers got close to these families and, although overstepping a few boundaries, they did a good job making these people comfortable enough with them to get welcomed into their homes and learn about the deeper topics. That being said, I think the historical accuracy of this representation of a camp was a good general overview however maybe a slight glorification of these camps. The film ignored some problems within the camp such as the thugs they mentioned briefly, the gender role issues and the people who never really adjusted to the camp and as a result suffered psychologically. It focused a lot on education, which was probably a main goal of making the film, in order to inform countries who can provide aid of how important it is to get these kids in school so there's not an entire generation lacking education. The focus on this resulted in leaving out some other issues, but that was most likely intentional on the side of the filmmakers.

An incomplete picture, but powerful nonetheless

[kj4 · 8/10 · 1 May 2018]

In the documentary Salam Neighbor, two young American men travel to the Za'atari refugee camp in Jordan, located just across the border from Syria, and live with the refugee population there for a month. Though they initially plan to sleep inside the camp, upon arrival they are informed that this is no longer a possibility, as the conditions inside are too dangerous and the camp leadership cannot protect them at night. When they are there during the day, the men film interactions they have with refugees inside the camp, including playing games, sharing meals, and having conversations. At the beginning of the film, the narrative was very focused on them and their experiences. It went into a lot of detail regarding how they felt, and did not examine as much the stories of individual refugees or their lives and experiences. Though by the end of the film the audience does get the chance to hear more stories of the refugees that are interviewed, there was material in the documentary that could have been replaced with their stories from the beginning. Additionally, it might be possible for a viewer to assume that what the film shows is an accurate depiction of how life inside the camp is for everyone. It must be remembered that as Americans, the filmmakers are granted a high degree of privilege, which is clearly seen in their mobility and ability to leave the camp each night when the circumstances were deemed too dangerous to stay, as well as at the end of the month. Nonetheless, the opportunity to see even a partial sliver of what life is like inside the camp is valuable. Though the film cannot be taken at face value in depicting the camp experience for all refugees, the audience truly comes to care for those refugees who do share their stories with the filmmakers. Overall, the film is a powerful reminder that when we speak of war and humanitarian crises, we must remember that we are referring to the lives and stories of individuals.

Excellent, thought-provoking film

[mbvandeleur · 10/10 · 18 March 2016]

"Salam Neighbor" presents an insider's view of refugees living inside a camp as well as refugees trying to rebuild their lives in a new city. The filmmakers tell compassionate stories of Syrians forced to flea their home. All of the stories are compelling and give a small glimpse into the lives of these individuals--families walking through the night to escape, a father trying to provide for his family, women who gather together to support each other, and a young boy struggling to go to school. I came away with a new understanding of resilient people whose fierce struggles have not undermined their determination to live, love, and hope for the future--all people deserve dignity. I highly recommend this film.

In-depth look at an important issue

[davidjtemple · 10/10 · 29 March 2016]

Like many people, I hear about Syrian refugees on the news all the time, but I've never really had an opportunity to dig in. It always feels like too heavy of an issue for me to really make a difference or wrap my head around it.

What I loved about this film is that it shows you what's happening to the actual people themselves — without getting bogged down in all the politics and history. If you'd asked me to describe what a refugee camp was like, I never could have told you anything before. Now I have a clear picture of what it means to be in a refugee camp — and the impact this is having on real people.

It's a fantastic film, I highly recommend it. I love that you get to know real people who are actually living in the camp. And it tells their stories without overly dramatizing them. The film lets the stories tell themselves.

I loved it. Definitely worth watching.

Not a ~terrible~ introduction to the Syrian refugee crisis

[acanaan-25253 · 6/10 · 20 April 2018]

"Salam Neighbor" is a failed attempt to show what it's like to live in a refugee camp in Syria. Zach Ingrasci and Chris Temple, with the permission and support of the UN, stay in the Za'atari refugee camp in Jordan, 7 miles from the Syrian border in order to inform the public about what living in a refugee camp is like. However, these men were not only uninformed on the crisis, only providing a few news snippets in the beginning to show there was a crisis but were also unaware of cultural norms and by coming from America and being backed by the UN, could never understand or accurately represent what living in a camp was like due to their own privilege. Yes, they stayed in a tent in the camp, but we never saw them actually suffer like many of those in the camp did. We never saw them waiting in line for food (except for once), they were not suffering from trauma or PTSD, and lastly and most importantly, they knew when they would get to leave and go home. One of the systematic issues that refugees face is that their displacement is treated as a temporary issue, but really is a permanent problem. Zach and Chris do cite the statistic that refugees spend an average of 17 years in a camp, but they did not accurately portray this issue in the documentary. If they had really wanted to portray what a camp was like, it would've been more useful to dedicate more of the film time to interviewing other refugees and getting their stories or spending more time with the refugees that they connected with. I will say, as much as this was not an accurate representation of camp life, it shows that Syrians as well as other people from the Middle East are not actually like how they are portrayed in the news. The documentary at the end focuses on providing dignity to refugees, allowing refugees to enter countries like to US and support countries that take in an influx of refugees, and trying to create a more permanent solution. While the documentary is not real to life for refugees, it appeals to the UN, donors, wealthy nations, and the public who are also not well-informed on the issues related to refugees but have the financial and/or political means to improve the situation for refugees. It is not a perfect narrative, but at its peak may be able to influence people to donate money and resources for the refugees, which frankly is better than nothing.

Zach and Chris are the new breed of Humanitarians of the 21st Century!!

[rumatenbrink · 10/10 · 29 March 2016]

"Salam Neighbor" is simply brilliant and allows you to become immersed, as you watch this riveting and heart-wrenching documentary. Chris and Zach are dropped off smack-dab in the middle of the worst humanitarian crisis of our time since World War II. It is their genuine love of their fellow human beings that gives them the strength, courage and fortitude to take on these huge "let's eradicate poverty and solve world peace" types of humanitarian projects.

As you watch the film, you grow to love these incredible young film-makers and also feel so much emotion and empathy for the Syrian people that Zach and Chris are both honored to befriend. The Syrians are truly resilient people who have literally created "something out of nothing", as you will see when you drive down the "Champs-Elysee" with Zach and Chris as your tour guides. The Syrians are extremely loving and generous people and take care of Chris and Zach as if they were their own sons. You will meet so many incredible people on this journey and I promise you, you will never forget them. The impact of this film will stay in your heart and soul and possibly move you to do more to help our global neighbors. This is a must-see film for humanitarians of all ages! Follow Chris and Zach's lead and become the change you want to see in this world.

Important, timely documentary!

[kschmit-46178 · 10/10 · 18 March 2016]

I had the privilege to see this amazing documentary at my local movie theater recently. The Syrian refugee crisis is one of the most important issues facing our world right now. These brilliant young filmmakers have given us a valuable look into the experience of millions of Syrians forced to flee their homes, and goes beyond the statistics to demonstrate that each one is a person not so different from ourselves.

This is a film that deserves worldwide distribution immediately, while we have a chance to make a difference!

Check out their first film, Living on One, as well!

Spectacular and important movie

[zoe-young · 10/10 · 29 March 2016]

Salam Neighbor does a beautiful job of addressing a critical topic in an enlightening and personal way. The filmmakers/hosts, Zach Ingrasci and Chris Temple do an incredible job of put a human face to the refugee crisis afflicting Syria and build a sense of humanity and global connection in a uniquely profound way.

In Salam Neighbor, American documentarians Zach and Chris move into a the largest Syrian refugee camp operating in Jordan, forming friendships and exploring the relationships of refugees choosing to live both within the camp and in the Jordanian cities surrounding. The depth of the connections they make by being so deeply embedded within the community create a poignant picture of the personal realities and struggles faced by refugees in this conflict and around the world. With tremendous humility and earnestness, the film tells the personal stories of a broad range of individuals swept up in the crisis in an unforgettable way.

Constantly touching, occasionally laugh out loud funny, undoubtedly tear jerking, and ultimately intensely moving, it is impossible not to come away from this film changed. This movie should be required viewing for absolutely everyone.

White Saviour Complex

[azzurri93 · 5/10 · 3 August 2016]

the movie was not that bad but it was full of white saviour sentiments. it was clearly made for a western audience whose hungry for compassion and emotions. i'm not going to go in details about all the flaws in this documentary, but their creators seemed ignorant of the situation especially of the history and beliefs of syrian people, syrian people are some of the most educated people in the region, but the creators were condescending and were obviously under the idea that they are uneducated poor people.

i'll stop here because i'm not sure id i'm making any sense to be honest.

Powerful documentary that would be watched by all to open up their eyes to the severity of the Syrian Refugee crisis.

[lisalund-74107 · 10/10 · 19 March 2016]

Zach and Chris are truly amazing individuals, as can be directly observed through this documentary. Salam Neighbor opened my eyes to the depth of the Refugee Crisis. The fact that Zach and Chris actually stayed in the camp and lived like refugees, made it especially effective and powerful! As a result of this movie, I am now volunteering with IRC, a refugee placement organization in Seattle. It doesn't get any more Powerful than that!! This documentary, will help to spread the word of the extent of the Syrian Refuge crisis and get more people involved through either volunteering or with cash donations to organizations like IRC, International Rescue Committee. It is an excellent documentary on all levels.

Wonderfully informative and impactful film

[ericahanson-48954 · 10/10 · 19 March 2016]

Salam Neighbor is a brilliantly constructed look at the Syrian Refugee Crisis and the broader plight of refugees worldwide. Every minute of this beautifully shot film had me thoroughly engaged and constantly learning. These filmmakers approach every situation with an openness and curiosity that is thrilling and insightful to follow. They bring you on their journey, exposing and connecting you to the people who are affected by this crisis, what they think, what life really looks like, what their hopes are, and mostly, how similar those hopes and dreams are to our own. No amount of media coverage has given me this quality of education and connection. I was left with a clearer understanding of the possibilities for improving conditions for these people. This film is an engaging and valuable choice for any age viewer.

Life in a refugee camp

[pattibeer · 10/10 · 17 March 2016]

Salam Neighbor is truly a life changing documentary. It gave me a new level of understanding and compassion into a world I couldn't even begin to comprehend before. Zach and Chris became a bridge that brought home the reality that behind the numbers we read about, are individual people with hopes and dreams. I highly recommend watching this film with others as it is a poignant conversation starter. The film continues to provoke questions of what can I do to get involved in finding solutions and awareness of the realities of the conditions that so many people are being forced to deal with - not only in Jordan, but around the world.

Powerful and inspiring documentary

[alisaillo · 10/10 · 29 March 2016]

Salam Neighbor is truly an inspiring film that opens your eyes to the truths about refugees. This powerful documentary follows refugees in Syria and allows the viewer to empathize with them. The story brings you on a heart throbbing/ tear jerking journey that makes you want to get up an do something about it. Before I saw this film, I didn't feel a connection to the refugees across the world. The media portrays refugees more of a burden rather than a serious situation that needs to be addressed. I found myself wanting to take action immediately and create a change. The film allows you to feel a connection with people hundreds and thousands of miles away. The documentary was extremely well shot and pieced together. I particularly loved the focus on a few main characters of the story. It allows you to develop a good sense of who these people are and realize that they are just like you and me, but happened to face a terrible situation in their homeland. This documentary gets a solid 10/10 stars, and I would recommend it to anyone who wants real information on the refugee situation happening all across our world.

Extremely eye opening film

[l_chhor · 10/10 · 29 March 2016]

I had the privilege of seeing Salam Neighbor at The Capitol followed by a panel and Q&A with Chris, Zach, and several others. Salam Neighbor is a great representation of what Syrian refugees are living everyday. From a family of refugees myself, I loved that what my family went through over 20 years ago is now finally in film and being shown to people all over the world. Hearing about the refugee crisis isn't as life-changing if you hear bits and pieces over the news. Listening to the stories from the refugees themselves is extremely eye-opening. Salam Neighbor is a great film to watch for those who want to hear the refugee stories and learn more about them. My favorite part about the film was probably the fact it wasn't about Chris and Zach living in the refugee camp, but the people they were surrounded with. The film tells the story of the refugees and what their hopes are for the future. It gave me a better understanding of the life of a refugee and the struggles they have to face everyday. It is mind-boggling that Chris and Zach went from living on one dollar in Guatemala to living the life of a refugee. I would highly recommend watching this. Overall, it is a great film and I can't wait to see what Chris and Zach are going to come up with next!

Again, self-laundering efforts.

[hasan-361-370473 · 1/10 · 30 October 2016]

Again, self-laundering efforts.

very open to be influenced by a lot of movies and documentaries made in the country's politics.

Contrived, an American documentary is inconsistent. Even Wikipedia and the people reach the actual data and statistical information.

Image and story beautifully arranged. The narrative also has a well-chosen characters.

There are a few issues that I see missing. Described "refugee" does not impact any information about domestic and foreign policy of any discrepancies.

Touching and eye-opening film on the current refugee crisis

[grcoast · 10/10 · 29 March 2016]

I recently saw Salam Neighbor at a local screening and was thoroughly impressed. The immersive documentary style allowed the viewer to watch the film through a humanistic lens. The film approached the current global refugee crisis in a way not seen in mainstream media, giving a refreshing, new perspective. Chris and Zach really did a terrific job showing what life in a refugee camp is really like and more importantly, who our refugee neighbors really are. Each of the refugees featured had an unique story to tell that can be related to people of all ages, genders and backgrounds. I left the film feeling the need to reach out and find ways to offer assistance to educate myself further on ways to help the mass of refugees out their in serious need of care.

Amazing Film

[emptykme · 10/10 · 20 April 2016]

I heard from a friend of mine that saw this documentary at The Capitol Building last month. Yes, the big white building with the dome where Congress works. I wondered how this independent film team got to screen their film there. My buddy told me it was great, and I saw really positive comments from two Congressmen. Than I saw the US Ambassador to the UN also spoke highly of the film. When I saw on Facebook that there was another screening at Georgetown with opening remarks by Queen Rania and David Miliband of the International Rescue Committee, I had to go and see what this film is all about and why all these people support it. Believe me, it did not disappoint. You need to see this film to understand the human element that we just don't see on the Syrian refugee crisis. The bonus was the Q&A that followed with Zach and Chris, the directors that lived like refugees among 80k Syrians in a camp in Jordan. They were joined by fellow producers Mohab and Salam, who provided another perspective that is valuable. My only criticism is why the film did not show much on the logistics of running this camp. My only question is when will this film show up on Netflix for everybody to see.

This documentary should be widely seen...

[ndsilverman-64130 · 10/10 · 19 March 2016]

Salam Neighbor is a wonderful film; extremely interesting and moving. It offers a unique opportunity to see what life is like inside a Syrian refugee camp, which makes it timely and very important for all to see.

These bright, sensitive and courageous filmmakers lead us into the immediacy of the refugee experience. By sharing meals, days, tears and conversations with families living inside a camp, we are shown the deep humanity of people trying to survive and make some sense out of the complete upheaval to their lives. It forces us to see the humanness inherent in an immense and devastating political crisis. In return, it gives us the gift of feeling more in touch with our own.

The best documentaries teach us and touch us. Salam Neighbor does both - I highly recommend this film.

Insightful Look into Refugee Life Though Not Without Its Problems

[eritchey-46322 · 8/10 · 24 April 2018]

Salam Neighbor chronicles the trip of two American documentarists to a refugee camp in Syria and their interactions with the refugees over a month's time. I think that the intentions of the filmmakers were genuine; I believe that they wanted to learn more about the lives of refugees and use this documentary to gain support for the refugees. I think that they toe the line of the white savior complex, but in my opinion, they never cross too much into that. Watching a film like this, one has to wonder about the motives of the men and their financial backing. Obviously, the refugee crisis has become largely a political issue, and this is them taking a political stance for the refugees. One could try and problematize this documentary for its politics, but I think that these men genuinely want to help the refugee crisis in Syria. They claimed that they were invested in the conflict before leaving the United States and seemed to form genuine bonds with some of the refugees during their time in the camp. While in the camp, they seemed keenly aware of the fact that they had a return date set and could be pulled from the project at any point if it became too dangerous. I think that these men were really invested in this project and trying to do something positive here.

This is not to say that the film was without some issue. It seemed that, despite knowing some information about the conflict, the men seemed ill-informed about some of the Syrian cultural norms and perhaps should have worked to understand these more before arriving in the camp and perhaps studied some Arabic. The scene when they tried to send the little boy to school was also troublesome. Once more, I think that they were trying to do something good and what they thought was logical because in the United States, children don't live within a war zone. I think it would have been a good idea for them to have taken a step back and considered why the boy might not have wanted to go to school before exposing him to this trauma once more.

Thought provoking and emotional

[alyssa-45316 · 10/10 · 29 March 2016]

Salam Neighbor is most definitely a film that hits close to home. My parents were both refugees and I have heard many stories about the struggle it is to be a refugee. I had the chance to take them to a showing of this film and they were both absolutely blown away by this film, it had them both in tears. I think that this is such a great film that should really be shown as much as possible because besides its educational value it also shows life of people just like us around the world and the problems they face when they have to flee from their homes and make a new life outside of what they know. This film shows the positive side of refugees and unlike many other documentaries it really has a genuine vibe to it throughout watching. I felt a personal connection with every story I heard in the film. It is a breath of fresh air to see a documentary that not only tell the facts but gets personal as well. Thank you Chris and Zach for this. I will 100% be sharing with friends and family!

The White Man's Burden heads to a Refugee Camp

[lmucha-44574 · 5/10 · 22 April 2018]

This film, although it highlights an important humanitarian crisis, purportedly focuses on Syrian refugees in the Jordanian refugee camp Za'atari, but the filmmakers insert themselves into the narrative so much that the documentary loses its way. These young documentary filmmakers, both white American men, have no knowledge of the region or language, but plan to "live like refugees" in the camp for a month. This is simply not possible - the men arrive with a translator, a camera crew, and backpacks full of clean clothes. They immediately make connections with the "locals," but often open old wounds because they lack a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by refugees. In all, there are most informative and complex films that depict the refugee experience.

An Honest Representation

[ncoudsi · 10/10 · 3 April 2016]

Refugee stories are often covered by speaking about them, rather to them. This documentary uniquely represents stories from the Zaatari refugee camps through a first- hand narrative. The filmmakers experience living as refugees themselves in order to report on them. If you are looking for an honest representation of the ongoing Syrian refugee crisis, then this is the film to go to. Focused on the Zaatari refugee camp and Jordan, this documentary does an excellent job in highlighting on stories the mainstream media never shed a light on. This documentary humanizes the refugees, and calls for action. As a Syrian who have worked with Syrian refugees in various refugee camps, I can't recommend this documentary enough.

The heart of the Syrian people is broadcast to the world by Salam Neighbor.

[dylanmadden · 10/10 · 29 March 2016]

Salam Neighbor is an extremely intriguing documentary that truly shows an unbiased experience of life in a Syrian refugee camp. Chris and Zach do an excellent job of capturing the heart of the Syrian people displaced by the current civil war. The documentary gets the viewer up close and personal with the citizens of the camp as if they were there themselves. The Living on One team is able to capture the thoughts and lives of all different types of people, ranging from children to adults; those with degrees and those who did work around the house, all forced to leave their homes because of the war. Salam Neighbor does an excellent job showing the viewer what the media wont about Syrian refugee camps, and all in all is an excellent film.

They Did What They Could

[hritchey-40709 · 8/10 · 26 April 2018]

Chris Temple and Zach Ingrasci had a mission when they decided to set out and make the documentary Salam Neighbor in the midst of a Jordanian refugee camp. As can be gleaned from the closing commentary of the documentary, these two filmmakers were trying to get people to donate money to the refugee cause while also trying to falsify anti-Muslim statements. Some people may say that the filmmakers only interviewed the obviously innocent figures of women and children and did not include enough refugees to create a representative sample of stories that accurately represent refugee life. People may also criticize these filmmakers for going in and trying to depict refugee life while bringing fresh clothes, vaccinations and a departure date with them. All in all, the documentary needs to be looked at within the frame of a video aimed at garnering donations. This is problematic in itself, and Temple and Ingrasci definitely could have done more to learn about cultural norms in Syria before setting up camp among actual refugees. Nevertheless, focusing on a few different refugees who they got to know well gave a depth to the stories the audience was hearing. If the filmmakers had just gone to the camp and tried to interview as many people as possible, the audience would not have been able to see what life in a refugee camp was like beyond the surface. For example, by going in depth to the story of 10-year-old Raouf, Temple and Ingrasci were able to learn of his past trauma and the overall violence that effects one at every turn in Syria. The filmmakers specifically focused on women and children, both because these particular women and children have remarkable stories, such as the women who has been able to build a whole income around her craft work and the young boy and his relationship with school, and because focusing on men who have to do anything to provide for their families or focusing on the "thugs" that were said to roam the camp at night might give weight to the anti-Muslim and anti-refugee sentiments prevalent around the globe. I believe that Temple and Ingrasci's motives were genuine and while the making of their film does not come without its problems, it is hard to bring the story of refugees to public attention without making some mistakes and garnering this kind of criticism. I appreciated the chance to get a closer look into life inside of the refugee camp and though it may not be 100% representative, it is a good starting point for audience members interested in refugee affairs who are not able to experience the camp themselves.