In the heart of Northeast Pennsylvania, four unique stories converge, each echoing the universal themes of resilience and hope. Josué, Mwefu, Taras, and Kateryna hail from different corners of the globe, yet they all share a common journey of leaving their homelands to build new lives in a foreign land.
Their experiences are vividly captured in the WVIA documentary “Making NEPA Home.” Filmmaker Kara Washington explains, “Overall, what you will realize with everyone in this documentary is that they are extremely grateful to be here, and they are doing whatever they can to make sure that they are integrating and becoming a part of the communities that they’re in.”
The documentary is set to premiere on Thursday, Oct. 16, at 7 p.m.
Exploring the Pathways of New Beginnings
Produced and directed by Washington, with cinematography by Alexander Monelli, the film delves into the lives of these immigrants, shedding light on their struggles and triumphs as they navigate their new environment.
“This documentary is honoring these individuals’ resilience. We’re celebrating their diversity, the cultures that they bring to our communities, and how they are shaping and reshaping what our communities look and feel like,” Washington shared.
Inspired by WVIA’s initiative Holocaust Warnings: American Antisemitism and Extremism, “Making NEPA Home” is part of the We Stand Against Hate project, aiming to highlight stories of unity and cultural diversity.
Washington, who herself moved from the Bahamas to the U.S., found personal resonance in these stories. “Someone like me, being from another country, I just felt very strongly about this story and wanting to see it to fruition,” she said.
Stories of Displacement and Adaptation
Featured in the documentary is the story of Taras and Kateryna, a couple who fled Ukraine due to the ongoing conflict with Russia. Taras, a musician, served on the front lines before prioritizing his family’s safety.
Meanwhile, Mwefu, originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, spent his early years in refugee camps. His homeland faces severe challenges due to ongoing conflicts over resources, leading to significant displacement. The United Nations considers the crisis in Congo as one of the largest globally, following Sudan.
Josué, a former barbershop owner from the Dominican Republic, left due to extortion threats, seeking safety for his family. Washington noted that despite the difficulties, these individuals are not leaving their homes by choice but due to necessity. “People think that sometimes this is the only place that they want to be, but that’s really not the case,” she remarked.
The documentary also highlights the rigorous resettlement process and the misconceptions surrounding the support refugees receive. Washington emphasized that organizations like Catholic Social Services and United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania provide crucial community support, offering safe spaces for immigrants.
Watch and Engage
“Making NEPA Home” will air on WVIA-TV at 7 p.m. and can also be streamed on WVIA’s Facebook and YouTube channels, as well as WVIA.org.
A premiere watch party, co-hosted by the Black Scranton Project, will be held at the nonprofit’s Center for Arts & Culture in Scranton. This free event will include a post-screening discussion. Reservations are recommended due to limited space.
“The documentary will not have all the answers, but I hope it does spark conversations about acceptance,” Washington noted, highlighting the cultural contributions immigrants bring to the region.
