ARABIAN SIGHTS

Peace by Chocolate

JONATHAN KEIJSER
Canada, 2021
96 minutes, Color
Official website

In Person: Director Jonathan Keijser, Peace by Chocolate founder Tareq Hadhad, and Lina Serge Attar with the Karam Foundation

Based on the inspiring true story of a Syrian refugee family who fled their war-torn homeland to find hope in the freezing snow of small-town Canada, this light-hearted yet serious film could not be more timely. After his father's chocolate factory is blown up, aspiring med student Tareq (Ayham Abou Ammar) gets a visa to escape to Canada. Although his English is impeccable, life in such a foreign culture is anything but simple. Neither is finding a way to continue his studies. As the situation at home deteriorates, Tareq's parents reluctantly join him in Nova Scotia. Soon, dad (Hatem Ali) is taking over his host family's kitchen to make better treats than the locals have experienced, much to the chagrin of the town's candy story owner. Dad's entrepreneurial dreams suddenly are being realized, but Tareq must choose between his ambition and keeping his family together.—Dave Nuttycombe

In English and Arabic with English subtitles

Co-presented with the Embassy of Canada