“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 movie, DAY ONE, reminded me of the power of community and solidarity, especially as we strive to be of service to one another. I particularly liked the way the movie narrates and weaves together the hopes, challenges, aspirations, and social-cultural complexities of our immigrant and refugee sisters and brother. The movie left me feeling grateful and hopeful.”

“Day One does a great job capturing the struggles faced by many young students who have been resettled in the United States - language barrier, educational access, coping with trauma, overcoming systemic obstacles, and searching for a sense of belonging. The film not only discusses the realities of the education system in Saint Louis but is a fantastic educational opportunity for all those in the audience.”

“An amazing film that shows how lives can be impacted to overcome trauma and tragic starts to life by compassionate educators and people. Shows the good in humanity at several levels.”

“During the screening of the documentary, Day One, I thought immediately about the impact and new lens views that my undergraduate nursing students would have if I used the film in my Population Health course. The messaging on how to approach all persons in a trauma informed way, just as the staff and faculty of Naheed Chapman used, would be an enormous lesson in planning and executing health literacy programs in diverse communities. The film also brought to life the extraordinary strength and resilience of the human spirit that cannot be found in a text book.”

“Lori Miller did an amazing job following the lives and stories of students and teachers at Nahed Chapman New American Academy. Especially as a St. Louis native, it was eye opening to see the lives of refugees in St. Louis, and learn about how current policies are affecting those lives. It was the first film I have watched where the audience immediately stood up to see how they could help, and hopefully it will inspire action in many communities to come.”

“Day One was a remarkable documentary. It should be viewed by all school districts in the country. I don’t think some people understand how much our families and students go through on their journeys in addition to learning a new language, culture and school system in a not so friendly political environment. The more information we can get out, hopefully the better our country will be. Thank you for your work in helping people understand the English learners not only in the in the city of St. Louis, but all students coming to a new country. Great work!”

“Day One is a remarkable view of what a welcoming community does to serve the children of refugee and immigrant families. The dedication of the teachers, the vulnerability of the students, and the predicament of their young lives is so poignantly captured on film. We were privileged to be among the first to screen the film here at the Missouri Historical Society in St. Louis, a community that is not often thought of nationally as a nurturing environment. The Day One documentary shows what the Nahed Chapman School has accomplished. It is a film that should be widely shared, especially now when fear of the “Other” seems magnified throughout the country. Here St. Louis leads the way.”

“As we witness the fracturing of our society, DAY ONE brings humanity back into the focus. When you watch this film, you will be inspired by a story about Newcomers through the eyes of children, their families, and their support systems in a city that (much like many metropolitan areas) has declined over the past decades, trying to find its way back through welcoming immigration and other strategies. DAY ONE encourages all Americans to remember how they got here, to investigate their own American lineage and discover that their ancestors’ story was not unlike the modern refugee story. DAY ONE is step one to inspiration and hope that cities like St. Louis can and must create a better place for all.”

“DAY ONE is proof that when a community comes together to educate, empower, and support our most vulnerable, then we become the best we can be. Thank you for this glimpse into a journey of struggle, hope, and perseverance for both the students and educators.”

“Impactful film that tells a much-needed and important story especially now, during this time of anti-immigrant, anti-Muslim rhetoric. The school and children are located in St. Louis, Missouri, but their stories are relevant in Minneapolis, Boston, and anywhere else that refugees are resettling.”

“The movie Day One inspires us to be welcoming to newcomers. The stories of the refugee students and their dedicated teachers in St. Louis have a pull at the heartstrings. All communities that aspire to grow through diversity can learn from this documentary. It was a privilege to be a part of the movie, to share how this school that welcomes refugees students fits into our community plan for growth.”

“The City of St. Louis has a long and strong history of welcoming immigrants and refugees. Because of this, it has strengthened the diversity and richness of our city and community, both culturally and economically. The film Day One illustrates how St. Louis has and will continue to embrace those who come to our city to seek refuge and find a new life. It also shows how our community of institutions and individuals will be there to address the challenges, to support them and to be welcoming. We hope other cities and communities will be able to view Day One and empathize with the unique struggles some of our neighbors face on a daily basis.”

“Day One contains life lessons that everyone can relate to at some level, and as an educator of foreign languages, the cultural connections and stories that are told weave a tapestry of human experience that is accessible and interesting to my students. They understand and value their own heritage better by glimpsing through the lens of the brave refugees in the film.”

“It’s hard to be a youth now more than ever, especially when you are learning a new culture, new customs, a new language and family struggles of poverty, unemployment and homelessness. The film, Day One, reminded me of my own adjustment as a young immigrant in the United States and the challenges my own family faced. I am glad to see that Nahed Chapman New American Academy in St. Louis exists to help young people develop a community and a confidence that will serve them throughout their life. It is great to see that St. Louis can come together to be welcoming and supportive, and that by coming together and working together we can and do make a difference. I am passionate about the work I do at the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce because I believe that our city and region becomes stronger when our community is diverse, inclusive and we come together to make it a better place. The film Day One tells this story.”