DAY ONE PRESS AND TESTIMONIALS
“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.” Daniel Neman, St. Louis Post-Dispatch
“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.” Jorge Riopedre, President, Casa De Salud
"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." Brian W. Thomas, Assistant Head of School, MICDS (Mary Institute and Saint Louis Country Day School)
“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.” Scott E. Walker, President/CEO, Kingdom House
“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.” Susan Werremeyer, Community Advocate, with Welcome Neighbor
“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.” Al Li, President, Asian American Chamber of Commerce of St. Louis
“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.” Matthew Padgett, Student, Washington University in St. Louis, Majors: Finance, Economics
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.” Betsy Cohen, Executive Director, St. Louis Mosaic Project
"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." Mayor Lyda Krewson, City of St. Louis
“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.” Frank Kovarik, English Department Chair, St. Louis University High School, Director of Equity & Inclusion
“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.” Anna E. Crosslin, President & CEO, International Institute of St. Louis