The Effects Of War

The Indochinese Refugee Experience

From the war in their homeland - to the refugee camps of South East Asia - to the streets, communities and schools of the United States: refugee youths and their families, directors of international relief agencies, and sponsors retell the story of the turbulent stages of transition common to the Indo Chinese refugee experience.

This unique historical documentary briefly reviews: the history and culture of Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam, their ancient past, Chinese rule, French colonialism, the French and American Indochina war, the rise to power of the communist forces, and the mass exodus of refugees fleeing Indochina - even to this day.

Utilizing the artwork created by refugee artists and children, personal interviews, and background historical narration, this program traces the various stages common to the refugee experience: their traditional life and culture in their homeland, the war, their flight and journey to the country of first asylum, life in the refugee camps, and resettlement to the United States. The interviews, paintings, traditional songs and music were gathered from the refugee camps in Southeast Asia and schools in California.

Quotes

"In Vietnam there was lots of bombing. My house was bombed, luckily we had a basement, my uncle built a basement and we hid in there." Danny Loi, 12 years old

"I lived in the camps for two years. I learned to adapt to the environment, no electricity and not enough food to eat." Lillian Luu, 17 years old

Production Notes

Produced By David Gilbert

58 Minutes Color Video

Grades 6-12 & Adult

Instructional Training Manual

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