Common Sense Media Review
By Jose Solis
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Moving docu about refugees; positive messages, violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Salam Neighbor
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In SALAM NEIGHBOR filmmakers Zach Ingrasci and Chris Temple spend a month living in the Za'atari refugee camp in Jordan, home to thousands of Syrians who fled the civil war. In the camp, they meet and document the stories of several refugees, including Raouf, a boy coping with the trauma of seeing his school be destroyed; Ghoussoon, a single mother raising her three children while trying to make a living; and Ismail, a young man pursuing higher education while mentoring others.
Is It Any Good?
Filmmakers Zach Ingrasci and Chris Temple step back and let the people they meet in the Za'atari refugee camp speak for themselves (in their own language too) in this important documentary. Except for one heartbreaking moment where Chris breaks down in tears, overwhelmed by the tragic stories of his new neighbors, the film is all about refugees like Raouf, Ismail, and Ghoussoon.
The documentary never feels exploitative. We don't see "before" footage of their lives to grasp how much they've lost. Instead, we're invited to be with them in the present, and through that we can imagine what they've lost and what they're trying to rebuild. Younger kids may not have the patience for it (though some will relate to Raouf not wanting to go to school), but teens and parents should find it eye-opening. It's the kind of movie that sparks long conversations after it ends, not because it shocks, but because it gently reminds us of the humanity behind the headlines. For families willing to sit with tough truths and talk about them, this feels like required viewing.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what they learned about the daily lives of refugees from hearing the stories of Raouf, Ghoussoon, and Ismail.
How do you think living in a refugee camp like Za'atari would change the way you see family, education, or community?
What are some ways people outside the camp can show compassion or help when we learn about situations like this?
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Where could you go to learn more about these complex topics?
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Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : January 1, 2020
- Cast : Zach Ingrasci , Chris Temple
- Directors : Chris Temple , Zach Ingrasci
- Inclusion Information : Gay Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Optimist
- Genre : Documentary
- Topics : Activism ( Civic engagement , Racial justice ) , Faith ( Islam ) , Family Stories , Friendship , History , Holidays ( Ramadan )
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage , Empathy
- Run time : 75 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 19, 2025
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