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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

Eye opening

[nbjohn · 10/10 · 25 April 2016]

This movie is not only entertaining, but extremely educational. Americans generally don't know the full extent of what is going on in the middle east. I know I certainly don't.

This movie puts a new face to the word "refugee". You will learn that refugees, are not a country's worst or weakest people, but their best and strongest.

These film makers bring us into the world of one of the largest refugee camps to see how people live, survive and transition to a new life.

I strongly suggest this movie to anybody interested in a documentary that covers a situation that is going on right now.

Amazing Documentary

[villasi · 10/10 · 29 March 2016]

Salam Neighbor is such an amazing documentary that opens our eyes to the world of the Syrian refugee camp and the lives of the refugees. Thanks to Zach and Chris' incredible work, you feel like you are actually inside the camp and are living through the daily challenges that these people face every day. Salam Neighbor allows us to see just how terrible this crisis has really been and it hits us deep in the heart especially when we see how it affects the children. This film is one of the most powerful documentaries I have ever seen and we must have these kinds of films shown as many places as possible. So, we can learn and be moved and inspired to make a change. Because after all, as Zach and Chris showed us, we, human beings, are the same. We all want to have peace, love and happiness in our lives and we all want a secure home. I pray that as more people watch Salam Neighbor, we finally come to find the solution to the Syrian crisis, so that our neighbors can have their home, peace, love and happiness back once and for all.

Great movie, powerful story

[margotmeldefontenay · 10/10 · 30 March 2016]

My high school had screening of Salam Neighbor and we sold out our small auditorium with 300 seats. Even after seeing it twice, this documentary is still so moving and the message is an important one.

I think it's important that this film be seen by as many people as possible, it's not political or religious so it's not meant to be controversial. Because of this, the film effectively tugs the heart strings of all audience members and is relatable for a wide age range.

I would recommend this film to other high school students, my teachers, neighbors, and even younger children. It gives the audience a greater understanding of the plight of refugees and is definitely a film that can effect changes in perspective.

I highly recommend Salam Neighbor to anyone and everyone looking to gain insight to the things happening in the world all around us.

They tried and it wasn't horrible.

[anninapluff · 8/10 · 20 April 2018]

Chris Temple and Zach Ingrasci do a nice job of inserting themselves into a Syrian refugee camp in order to try to humanize an incredibly complex humanitarian crisis that is often skewered by the media. Alas, they insert themselves a little too much as the beginning of the film focuses too much on their own plight and troubles, but I think these two guys genuinely made the film with a good purpose in mind. To some degree they walk a fine line between the glorification of a refugee camp rather than portraying its disastrous implications. This is not to say that the good aspects of a camp cannot be shown, i.e. the flourishing marketplace and the kindness of the people, but this should not leave the viewer with the impression that everything for these people is relatively OK. The best parts of the film were the most emotional parts; the stories of these refugees. The stories were often emotional and disheartening but embodied a rare form of human strength. Chris and Zach tried to make this emotional connection a central piece of the film and while some may argue that they did not interview enough people or only interviewed "stereotypical refugees," they focused on a select group of individuals with whom they had formed strong ties of friendship. I think this was important as Chris and Zach clearly made this film not with the most educational purposes in mind, the viewer gets relatively no overview of this very complex conflict, but with the purpose of overcoming the negativity that the Syrian refugees get from the US media. The film almost screams at you: "Not all Muslims are terrorists, there are good and bad people in any society!" This is not to diminish or be overly critical of the message, it is true after all, but the film could have provided more insight into the conflict. Nonetheless, it is a good start for people who want to learn more. To end on one final critical note, for those watching this film it is crucial to bear in mind that as much as Chris and Zach try to portray a sense of familiarity or relatability to the refugees, these are two very different lives that appear in the film. Chris and Zach wander into the camp and they wander out. They enter the lives of Syrian refugees knowing that they have their lives back at home. For the refugees this ultimate luxury may never materialize for up to seventeen years. Their lives have become the camp. I believe Chris and Zach made this film with good intentions but I wish this major contention within the film had been addressed more directly.

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 amazing movie, well done and entertaining

[afm809 · 10/10 · 29 March 2016]

I love this film. It's amazing what a small crew on a limited budget can do. This film beautifully portrays the humanity behind the important social issue of people being displaced from their homeland and the day-to-day struggles they face. Everything is seen through the eyes of the the film makers who are embedded in a true refugee camp for many weeks. Over time they develop strong relationships with the refugees, which started out rocky but quickly turned to friendship, born out of basic love and respect.

I look forward to future movies by Zach and Chris. I like their refreshing personalities, and admire their dedication, passion and love to make the world aware of important issues, and to ultimately make the world a better place.

Timely Appeal for Empathy and Humanity

[ian-41842 · 10/10 · 30 March 2016]

Like many, I've been deeply troubled by the recent global increase in intolerance and the rise of xenophobia and bigotry in our political discourse. This film could be the antidote.

Salam Neighbor provides a compelling insight into what the lives of refugees actually look like — and the deep threads of humanity that connect us all across religions, races, and geographies. The people whose stories emerge from this film are compelling. The storytellers themselves manage to slip into the background as their subjects come to the fore, providing an access point for us to enter their world and learn about their lives. Always the depth of their struggle lies just below the surface as they endeavor to live normal, healthy lives in their new communities.

This film documents what human strength looks like and the human instincts that bind us all together — and is a critical tool in inspiring empathy and compassion at a time when it is most needed.

Wonderful film!

[bridgetbutler-79409 · 10/10 · 17 March 2016]

Chris and Zach take you on an emotional journey as they help you connect with Syrian refugees from varying backgrounds. The film unfolds giving the viewer a deeper insight into each person's individual story. As the filmmakers connect deeply with each person, the viewer begins to understand the larger picture of the crisis that is occurring and the support that is necessary. The footage, storyline and connections made on this journey are truly unreal. This film will tug at your heart strings and inspire you to make a change. Chris and Zach do a wonderful job yet again of covering an emotional topic. I would highly recommend this film!