Everybody's Children

Monika Delmos,
2008,
51 min 27 s

Synopsis
Education

Monika Delmos's documentary captures a year in the life of two teenage refugees, Joyce and Sallieu, who have left their own countries to make a new life in Ontario. Joyce, 17, left the Democratic Republic of Congo to avoid being forced into prostitution by her family. Sallieu, 16, had witnessed the murder of his mother as a young boy in wartorn Sierra Leone. Delmos follows them as they bear the normal pressures of being a teenager while simultaneously undergoing the refugee application process. She shows how the guidance and support of a handful of people make a real difference in the day-to-day lives of these children.

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Comments

“Joyce and Sallieu - your stories are heart-touching and inspiring. To start over again and succeed. The questions asked by Immigration do sound strange, maybe very outdated? So glad that you found friends to share the ups, downs and in-betweens with, as well as kindness through supportive friends. It wasn't easy but worth it. There is so much we take for granted in Canada, even assuming everyone around the world has internet access. Great attitude Sallieu, for understanding that not everyone understands. Hoping both Joyce and Sallieu are well. And I agree with Joyce, that we carry loved ones forever in our hearts. Please Canada, keep the door open! I hope that Joyce's singing reached her friends in the Congo. ” — DancesWithCrayons, 6 Jan 2011
“Although this film is heart-wrenching, I love it! First, I gained some insight into a former student, Sallieu; second, it reminds me of the universal optimism of youth, and third, perhaps most importantly, the film exposed a major flaw in our system of assisting refugees. It motivates me to try to help in some/whatever small way I can...” — mac_riv, 28 May 2010