Documentary Film - Is this Home Now?

One Day they shall return

Huddled together

fear attacks like a raging bull

with a spear

Dinner becomes insects

and roots

served beneath nightfall’s

precious gaze

Village despairs

and grounds become battlefi elds

ushering blistered soles

and souls

alike

“We hear them”

“They are here again”

Reverberates through thick Savannah

What once was home

is memory’s offering

of torched huts and

rampage

Their journey continues

Horror stalking like shadows

One day they shall return

One day

• A drumless beat in my heart - © 2008. poems by Weruche

"Is This Home Now" is a compelling and thought-provoking short documentary film directed by Weruché  that delves into the lives of three refugees who have resettled in the vibrant city of New Haven, CT. Through intimate storytelling and captivating visuals, the film provides a unique glimpse into the experiences and challenges faced by refugees seeking safety and a new beginning.

The documentary follows the inspiring journeys of three individuals: Bushra Mahdi, a resilient refugee from Iraq; Amal Eltaib, who arrived in the United States from Sudan in 2008; and Faiz Alsilaik, a Sudanese journalist. By focusing on their personal stories, the film offers a humanizing perspective on the refugee experience, exploring their struggles, aspirations, and the profound transformations they undergo in their new home.

Weruche masterfully weaves together the narratives of these individuals, juxtaposing their individual experiences with insightful interviews of key figures such as Senator Chris Murphy and IRIS (Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services) Executive Director Chris George. Through these interviews, the film delves into crucial topics such as the refugee ban of 2017, the intricacies of the resettlement process, and the broader implications of refugee policy.

With empathy and sensitivity, "Is This Home Now" sheds light on the resilience and determination of refugees, while also examining the societal and political challenges they face. The documentary prompts viewers to reflect on issues of displacement, identity, and the profound human longing for a place to call home. 

Through its intimate storytelling and powerful visuals, "Is This Home Now" compels audiences to confront their own perceptions and biases surrounding the refugee experience, fostering empathy and understanding in an increasingly divided world. The film serves as a poignant reminder of the shared humanity that connects us all and the importance of creating welcoming communities for those seeking refuge.