56 languages, 42 countries, One community. A GATEWAY TO A NEW LIFE.
HUY MACH / ST.LOUIS POST DISPATCH / POLARIS
Synopsis
DAY ONE follows a group of teenage refugees from war-torn countries who are enrolled at a unique public school for refugees and immigrants-only in St. Louis, MO, where they are guided through an inspirational program of education, healing and trauma intervention by devoted educators, some of whom have chosen to relocate to the inner city to support their students. Over the course of a year, we watch the kids progress through layers of grief and loss as they attend school, forge new friendships, and prepare to be mainstreamed into local public high schools. Their triumphs and tribulations all unfold with St. Louis as the backdrop: a rust-belt city that has taken the bold step of welcoming immigrants as a solution for their growing socio-economic problems.
Streaming Now
PAST BROADCASTS
Lakeland Plus Television/Minneapolis – November 4 and november 5
NYC Media - Monday, August 31
WITF/Harrisburg – Sunday, August 23 & Monday August 24
Lakeshore Public Television/Chicago – Friday, August 21
Lakeland Public Television/Minneapolis – Wednesday, August 19
NPT2/Nashville – Friday, August 14
NINE Network/Saint Louis, MO - July 19 and July 21
KVIE2/Sacramento, CA – Tuesday, July 14
AZPM/Tucson, AZ – Sunday, July 5
WEIU/Charleston, IL - Wednesday, July 1 and Thursday, July 2
WEAO Fusion/Cleveland - Thursday, June 18
OPB Plus/Portland, OR - Wednesday, June 3 and Friday, June 5
WFYI3/Indianapolis, IN - Sunday, May 31
ETV World/SC - Thursday, May 21
KVCR/San Bernardino, Los Angeles, CA - Wednesday, May 20
WEFS/Orlando, FL - Thursday, May 14
Nine Network/St. Louis, MO - Tuesday, May 12
KMOS/Springfield MO - Sunday, May 10
KRCB/San Francisco, CA - Friday, May 8
KUEN/Salt Lake City, UT - Thursday, May 7
Past Screenings
Testimonials & Press
“This is a truly inspiring film, with lessons for all of us - not only about what kind of society we can be but also about how we can and should guide and instruct students. It is a story of resilience and hope, told with warmth and compassion...”
“The stories told are inspirational and even, at the end, triumphant. We see friendships made, school lessons learned — and past traumas overcome……..You can’t help but be inspired by “Day One.” It’s a story of truly good people doing truly good work.”
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The United States is at its best when it welcomes those who have been displaced by violence and strife, and St. Louis exemplifies this spirit in Day One, creating a space for young refugees to learn and heal. The humanity of the students and teachers shines from the screen and renews our faith in the promise of America.”
“Day One offered a powerful learning experience for our school community. By dramatizing the human stories of young refugees struggling to navigate a new place with the help of caring educators, the film refreshed our understanding of the power of schools to make a difference in students’ lives. The film powerfully encourages generosity and compassion for refugees at a time when some of our leaders stoke self-interest and fear.”
“Rarely do documentary films appeal to what Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. describes during the first part of his famous speech during the “March on Washington,” which is “the fierce urgency of now.” King’s speech ushered in the fierce urgency of the Civil Rights Movement. “Day One” does the same thing with the plight of immigrant children and how they are viewed across this country and in other parts of the world. The film would seem to suggest that ‘our nation’s “moral moment” is upon us.’ Do we have the capacity to fiercely love in the way that honors the Beloved Community that Dr. King so vividly envisioned from his mountaintop? “Day One” answers that question and many others.”
“Day One is everything. Not only is it for people who work with refugees but it is a film for all. The film educates the community and teaches the audience the importance of a community, the importance of diversity and the importance of working together. Together we can do amazing things and build a better future. The film creates awareness of various issues in many fields that may affect educators, humanitarians, advocates and mental health advocates...Day One was not only a heartfelt film but funny and educational.”
Be an Advocate!
There are over 22.5 million refugees fleeing their home countries and seeking a chance at a new life. As this number continues to increase due to war, violence, poverty, and climate change, the U.S. Refugee Resettlement Program is operating at its lowest level in recent history, and continues to contract. In 1980, the U.S. admitted 220,000 refugees, 91,000 in 1990, 73,000 in 2000 and 2010, and now only 22,000 in 2018.
An unknown side effect of the dramatic reduction of the program has been the loss of jobs in supportive services, and the closing of resettlement agencies. There are nine voluntary agencies that receive federal funding based on the number of refugees they resettle. Drastic budget cuts and staff layoffs began in 2018 and are expected to continue through 2019 and beyond.
You can advocate to bring more refugees in the U.S. by calling and/or writing your congressional representative. Find your representative’s contact information:
NPR News Article
2018 Was A Year Of Drastic Cuts To U.S. Refugee Admissions
Press Release: Interfaith Immigration Coalition calls on the U.S. Government to welcome 95,000 refugees.
Interfaith Immigration Coalition invites you to take action
Resources to learn more, stay informed and get involved.
St Louis Mosaic Project
The St. Louis Mosaic Project is a regional initiative within the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership and the World Trade Center St. Louis. St. Louis aims to be a cultural mosaic because they believe that immigrants invigorate their region.
International Institute St Louis
The International Institute is St. Louis’ welcoming center for new Americans. Their mission is to help immigrants and their families become productive Americans and champion ethnic diversity as a cultural and economic strength.
Bilingual International
The Bilingual International’s mission is to ensure equal access to healthcare, mental health, and social services for all, regardless of national origin or language ability, through advocacy, education, and direct multilingual services.
Welcoming America
Welcoming America leads a movement of inclusive communities becoming more prosperous by making everyone feel like they belong. They believe that all people, including immigrants, are valued contributors who are vital to the success of their communities and shared future.
Refugee Services of Texas
Guided by the principles of human compassion and dignity, Refugee Services of Texas welcomes refugees, immigrants, and other displaced peoples and supports them in integrating and thriving in their new communities.
Girl Forward
GirlForward is a community of support dedicated to creating and enhancing opportunities for girls who have been displaced by conflict and persecution.
IRIS
IRIS helps refugees and immigrants establish new lives, regain hope, and contribute to the vitality of Connecticut’s communities.
International Rescue Committe
The IRC responds to some of the world's worst crises, delivering aid that saves lives while paving the way for long-term recovery.
UNHCR
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is a global organization dedicated to saving lives, protecting rights and building a better future for refugees, forcibly displaced communities and stateless people.
Refugee Resettlement Program
The Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) helps new populations maximize their potential in the United States by linking them to critical resources that assist them in becoming integrated members of American society