
Shot on three continents with ungarnished commentary from all sides of the issue, Shattering Refuge takes an unflinching look at the role of the media in reframing the act of seeking refuge from a basic human right to a criminalized activity.
By deftly weaving the unscripted voices of displaced people, journalists, politicians, and NGO workers into one cohesive narrative, the film explores whether the media is an instigator, observer, or accomplice — and powerfully compels audiences to consider the boundaries imposed upon their own perspectives.
Without pandering or being patronizing, Shattering Refuge boldly imagines the way forward, in a world where the very idea of refuge has been shattered and complacency is no longer an option.
- Year2019
- Runtime24 minutes
- LanguageEnglish
- CountryUnited States
- DirectorSonari Jo Chidi
- ScreenwriterSonari Jo Chidi
- ProducerSonari Jo Chidi
- CastFatemeh Shams, Mbarushimana Salum, Laura Benshoff, Emma Restrepo, Charity Kola, Akune Obang Atale, Loduye Johnmond, Jeff Gammage, Perla Lara

Shot on three continents with ungarnished commentary from all sides of the issue, Shattering Refuge takes an unflinching look at the role of the media in reframing the act of seeking refuge from a basic human right to a criminalized activity.
By deftly weaving the unscripted voices of displaced people, journalists, politicians, and NGO workers into one cohesive narrative, the film explores whether the media is an instigator, observer, or accomplice — and powerfully compels audiences to consider the boundaries imposed upon their own perspectives.
Without pandering or being patronizing, Shattering Refuge boldly imagines the way forward, in a world where the very idea of refuge has been shattered and complacency is no longer an option.
- Year2019
- Runtime24 minutes
- LanguageEnglish
- CountryUnited States
- DirectorSonari Jo Chidi
- ScreenwriterSonari Jo Chidi
- ProducerSonari Jo Chidi
- CastFatemeh Shams, Mbarushimana Salum, Laura Benshoff, Emma Restrepo, Charity Kola, Akune Obang Atale, Loduye Johnmond, Jeff Gammage, Perla Lara