New Homeland

In 2017, Canada, our amiable northern neighbor, welcomed 27,000 refugees, which is just 6,000 fewer than the United States, despite having only a tenth of its population. Many of these refugees hailed from Syria and Iraq, enduring arduous physical and mental journeys to find safety. To narrate their experiences, Academy Award®-winning director Barbara Kopple employs an innovative and imaginative setting: a summer camp. Situated on a small island in the Canadian wilderness, Camp Pathfinder has been a sanctuary for boys from Canada and the U.S. for over a hundred years. A few years back, its director, moved by the distressing news, decided to offer refugees the chance to attend the camp. Kopple’s film captures their time there, beautifully illustrating the formation of new friendships. However, not all the boys can completely shed the war-torn mindset. Through their perspectives, NEW HOMELAND explores the challenges and triumphs of beginning anew.