The Neighborhood Storyteller

The Neighborhood Storyteller follows Asmaa Rashed, a young Syrian woman in a refugee camp in Jordan who embarks on a read-aloud project to empower girls and foster collective healing. Despite her complex living situation as a refugee and the community’s conservative mindset, Asmaa Rashed is determined to raise a new generation of successful women. This documentary feature film explores human resilience, the transition from child to adult and one’s capacity to turn hardships into an opportunity for self-growth.

Overview

The Neighborhood Storyteller is an engaging teaching tool to excite students about the power of reading. It also introduces students to current events in Syria and life in refugee camps, and invites them to think about evolving gender norms and gender equity. It’s a great way to highlight the transformative power of education and community activism in the face of adversity.

Literary Connection

Our The Neighborhood Storyteller Guide features connections to Muzoon: A Syrian Refugee Speaks Out for grades 5-12 by Muzoon Almellehan with Wendy Pearlman, for educators interested in doing a film-book pairing.

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  • Type: Documentary Feature Film
  • Lesson Grades: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, College
  • Rating: NR
  • Ages: 8–12, 13–17, 18–24, 25+
  • Run time: 40–59 minutes

Where to Watch

Educational licenses are available through GoodDocs. License options include High Schools, Community Colleges, Colleges /Universities, Nonprofit / Community Groups, and For-Profits / Corporations.

You can also stream The Neighborhood Storyteller on Amazon in some regions and Kinema worldwide.

Discussion Guide

The discussion is best used with learners ages 12 and up and for community and adult learning groups.

About the Film
About We Love Reading and Professor Rana Dajani
Syria (Context and Background)
Girls and Education
Reading, Literacy and Storytelling
Grassroots Work, Life Skills, and Future Vision
Literary Connection: Muzoon: A Syrian Refugee Speaks Out by Muzoon Almellehan with Wendy Pearlman
Connections Between the Book and Film
Additional Resources

Download discussion guide

Preview discussion guide

Group Discussion Facilitation Guidelines

These tips can help you create safe space for classroom engagement on the themes and subjects of this film.

Download Group Guidelines

Preview group guidelines

Booking Speakers

Would you like to invite the filmmakers/film participants to speak at a screening of The Neighborhood Storyteller? GOOD TALKS helps with arrangements for educational speaking engagements. Contact them through the Good Talks contact form.

Would you like us to partner with you for educational engagement or professional development about The Neighborhood StorytellerContact us!

Sustainable Development Goals

Journeys in Film supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Learn more about teaching with UN SDGs. This curriculum guide connects to the following SDGs.
  • Quality_Education
  • Gender_Equality
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