A film to amplify refugee teenage girls education

Our project continues to evolve in unexpected but marvelous directions. We are very proud to announce in this report our partnership with We Love Reading (other GlobalGiving member organization) in an initiative called 1 MILLION ASMAAS. 

"Imagine a world with 1 million trained local volunteers reading books for fun to children in their neighborhoods. An army of change-makers creating a generation of youth and children who enjoy and respect books and foster social responsibility, civic engagement and enhanced psycho-social well-being through the establishment of a library in every neighborhood in the world. By joining this collaboration you can implement the We Love Reading training into your programming and show the story of the We Love Reading ambassador Asmaa Rashed in the multi-award winning film The Neighborhood Storyteller to engage your audience. Together, let’s make this dream a reality."

Yes, you understood correctly, if you are a nonprofit you can add to your programming the We Love Reading training and use the film The Neighborhood Storyteller to inspire the communities you serve. Or if you are a changemaker, you can take the We Love Reading training and use The Neighborhood Storyteller to inspire people in your community to became We Love Reading ambassadors. AND ALL OF THIS WITH NO COST TO YOU.

For more information and to join go to the initiative's website at www.1masmaas.org

Unleashing the potential of women and girls in vulnerable situations to act creatively for themselves and their communities. 

2 years of driving our impact campaign forward made it clear to us: "The Neighborhood Storyteller" is more than a film; it's a movement. Each screening, award, and partnership represents a step forward in our collective journey towards empowerment, understanding, and change.

Global Recognition and Achievements

Highlighting critical human rights issues and the empowerment of women and refugees, the film was honored with prestigious awards, including the Women In Film Award at Mountainfilm and the Best Human Rights Award at the Toronto International Women's Film Festival. 

In total the film has been official selection of 57 film festivals in 24 countries, has been nominated 24 times, and has received 11 awards.

Sparking Conversations and Change

Beyond the screen, "The Neighborhood Storyteller" catalyzed discussions on vital issues — from women's empowerment to refugee rights — at major conferences and universities worldwide. 

For example:

• Robert Morris University (Pittsburg, USA)
• We Love Reading (Amman, Jordan)
• Emirates Festival of Literature (Dubai, UAE)

Community Screenings and Grassroots Movements

At the heart of our impact campaign are the community screenings and events that have brought the film directly to audiences globally. Partnering with grassroot organizations has connected us to our target audience, engaging and empowering those who can most benefit from Asmaa’s story. 

• 21 Non-profits
• 10 Conferences
• 6 Educational Institutions
• 2 Companies

Funding Success 

Financial support comes from a variety of sources, including screening licenses, speaker fees, PBS underwriting, foundation grants, individual donors, award prizes, and GlobalGiving. 

Emotional Resonance

Beyond the tangible metrics of success,the film has profoundly touched the hearts of viewers around the globe. Testimonials reflect a deep emotional connection. These personal stories of impact remind us that at the core of our mission is the ability to evoke empathy, inspire action, and bring about understanding through the power of narrative. 

The emotional effect on our audience not only fuels our commitment to continue this work but also reaffirms the film's role as a catalyst for social and emotional enlightenment.

You can watch some of the recorded testimonials:

• Testimonial 1
• Testimonial 2
• Testimonial 3
• Testimonial 4
• Testimonial 5

Thank you

We are grateful that you have been part of this journey and invite you to continue to help us sustain the impact campaign longer.

You can do this with:

• Your financial support
• Organization a community screening event with The Neighborhood Storyteller. Please contact us at info@homestorytellers.org for more information.