‘Refuge’ Arrives on Digital, VOD March 24
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SHOUT! STUDIOS IN ASSOCIATION WITH KATIE COURIC MEDIA Presents REFUGE A Film by Erin Bernhardt and Din Blankenship |
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An inspiring and timely documentary PREMIERES MARCH 24, 2023 IN THEATERS & ON DEMAND
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| A stirring and inspiring blueprint for the healing of America, a captivating story of two unlikely friends who transform their anguish and tribulations into compassion and understanding in the new documentary feature REFUGE, debuting March 24, 2023 in North American home theaters everywhere on Digital from Shout! Studios. The movie will also be available in select participating cinemas.
Produced and Directed by award-winning filmmakers Erin Bernhardt and Din Blankenship, REFUGE is a powerful story about fear and love in the American South. The film provides an enthralling exploration of hatred, its origins, and the means of healing. A production of Katie Couric Media and Artemis Rising Foundation, REFUGE is executive produced by Katie Couric, Regina K. Scully, Patty Quillin, Sabrina Merage Naim, Geralyn Dreyfous, Pat Mitchell, Brenda Robinson, Caroline Tucker, Common Pictures, More Productions, Mary Beth Minnis, Emmanuel Jal, Stephen Nemeth, and Betsy Stahl. A leader in a white nationalist hate group finds healing from the people he once hated – a Muslim heart doctor and his town of refugees. Chris is a husband and father, a veteran, and until recently, a leader in the KKK. He started hating Muslims when the planes hit the Twin Towers on 9/11, but is forced to confront his hate when he receives a text from Muslim refugee, Heval. REFUGE illustrates the false promises of hate and reveals where real and lasting refuge is found. Where there is love, there is refuge. REFUGE is set in the most diverse square mile in America – Clarkston, Georgia – and follows a Syrian Kurd, a former Klansman, and a town of refugees who seek belonging in a country that blames them for its problems. Swimming against the current of an increasingly polarized and isolated America, each must decide whether they will risk knowing and being known by those who oppose them. Ultimately, REFUGE uncovers what is possible when we leave the security of our tribes and what is at stake for our country if we don’t. |
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Photo courtesy of Tomesha Faxio |
| AWARDS
Programmers’ Award for Best Documentary Feature – Virginia Film Festival Best Human Spirit Award – Breckenridge Film Festival Jury Award for Best Documentary Feature – Vero Beach Film Festival Audience Award for Best Documentary Feature – Vero Beach Film Festival Best Documentary Feature – Hill Country Film Festival Student Choice Award – Mountainfilm (awarded to the film that students think will most inspire their generation) Audience Award for Best Feature – Atlanta Film Festival Best Georgia Feature Film – Atlanta Film Festival Standing Up Award – Cleveland International Film Festival Impact Award – Boulder International Film Festival Director’s Choice Award for Best Documentary Feature – Sedona Film Festival Special Mention, U.S. Category – DOC NYC Grand Jury Prize Nominee – DOC NYC
TEAM Katie Couric Media and Artemis Rising Foundation Produced, Written, and Directed by Erin Bernhardt and Din Blankenship Edited by Katharine Garrison Consulting Editor Leigh Johnson Music by Ryan Potesta Executive Producer Katie Couric Executive Producer Regina K. Scully Executive Producer Patty Quillin Executive Producer Sabrina Merage Naim Executive Producer Geralyn Dreyfous Executive Producers Pat Mitchell, Brenda Robinson, Caroline Tucker Executive Producers, Common Pictures and More Productions Executive Producers David Hudakoc, Mary Beth Minnis Executive Producers Emmanuel Jal, Stephen Nemeth, Betsy Stahl Co-Producer Katherine Garrison Director of Photography Joseph East
Shout! Studios | 80 minutes Acclaimed Documentary Feature REFUGE Debuts on Digital Platforms for Purchase and Rent on March 24, 2023 Apple TV, Amazon, GooglePlay, YouTube, Microsoft, and other digital platforms |
