How do Syrian Refugees Live in the USA? - Introduction

So how do Syrian Refugees live in the USA? Well that is the exact question I asked when I learned a year ago that Allentown PA, a town near me, was accepting Syrian Refugees into its community. The issue is now a hot topic with all the elections and debates going on in the popular media. Some will say "yes accept them with open arms!" Others will say "no, they're a danger to our communities. Some may be associated with terrorism. Look at what happened to Europe." My opinion fell somewhere in the middle, but, of course like most people, I was ignorant.

What is the true effect of these families settling in my home, the USA? How does the USA effect and change them? What is the true story and motivations behind these families? And most importantly, how do they relate to us?

I was told by a wise teacher that you will never truly know a people until you sit down with their children at their dinner table/mat. To answer my questions, I aimed to do just that, and film it.

My film Refuge seeks to answer the questions above. For the next few weeks, I will relate the story of my filming and beautiful experience of getting to know a lovely family that I learned to call my own. This blog series (hopefully to become a video series) will explore this journey step by step. I hope you join me by signing up at www.reelnationmedia.com/refuge. As I edit and film the last few sequences, you will be able to get an exclusive insight and even contribution to the creation of my film: the answer of How do refugees live in the USA?

Have you seen the teaser trailer for the film? Watch below!

Please feel free to comment below on what you'd like to see and if you have any ideas on how we can better go through this journey together. Looking forward to it guys!

Keep it Reel!

Abdullah Abu-Mahfouz

#SyrianRefuge #Syrian #Announcement #AbdullahAbuMahfouz #Refugee #ReelNationMedia #Trailer #Blog #VideoSeries #USA

Be in Stand Up's Music Video!

Do you have footage of you or a loved one wrestling that you want to show off? Here's your chance! In three easy steps, you can see yourself in Stand Up's music video/tribute. Stand Up is a feature length documentary film on wrestling, the greatest sport of all time, and escaping from the bottom.

Here are details on what the video will include:

• Awesome footage of you guys kicking butt

• An original song about Stand Up from Luciano Vian and GT

• Video from Stand Up Film

Here are the 3 steps to get in the video:

1. Upload your video to YouTube and title it: "Stand Up - Wrestling Music Video Submission"

2. Ensure your video privacy is set to public or unlisted.

3. Email your video URL to reelnationmedia@gmail.com with the subject line "Music Video Submission".

Piece of cake!

Deadlines for submissions is September 8th 2016. We can't wait to see your matches!

Keep it Reel Guys!

Have you seen our latest trailer? See what other wrestlers are saying about Stand Up!

#musicvideo #StandUp #LucianoVian #GT #Documentary #Wrestling

New "STAND UP" Testimonials and Video

Last winter we test screened Stand Up to multiple audiences across multiple formats. Most of those audiences were wrestlers...

Overall it was an awesome experience. We got to engage with our audience and see all the genuine laughs, tears, and determination they walked out of the rooms with. This is why we make movies in the first place at Reel Nation Media- to inspire these emotions.

Below is a list on some reactions from the screenings. Most participants remained to stay anonymous.

• "This film has built up inspiration inside of me. I will push myself to be the best I can be and give 110% like Cevon said” -Unknown

• "Captures the ups and downs of a wrestling season, but most importantly shows the character development of student athletes" -Jason Woodall

• "This film not only captured the essence of the sport of wrestling, but it also showed the struggles of an athlete and all things required of a wrestler as well. It had ups and downs captured perfectly!" -Mahlon Chase

• "Very Immersive. I felt like I was sitting mat-side" -Anthony Mancuso

• "This documentary shows that hard work does pay off, and your real friends will push you to become better. The grind doesn’t stop even when the season is over. It taught me playing in a team sport is like having a huge family.” -"Awais Sultan"

• "It was emotional and kept me on the edge" -Unknown

• "It showed me that courage can take your far. If you keep pushing yourself then there is no limit." -Unknown

• "Hard work has a value for all of life, bot just “winning”!"-Unknown

• "I forgot I was watching a movie. It kept me on the edge of my seat." -Unknown

Along with these testimonies, we are releasing a new trailer which features some of the written testimonies above. At the end of our trailer, NOVEMBER 2016 blasts as the release date. More information on that coming soon.

Until next time.. Keep it Reel!

P.S. make sure to check out our Stand Up YouTube Playlist for all videos released about Stand Up.

Youtube Playlist Link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBTG0RqhnI4ZlyV3AeqKAe9O_uF1G1ANm

#Trailer #StandUp #Documentary #ReleaseDate #Teaser #Wrestling #TestScreening #Testimonies