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
Trailers may not have subtitles but all of our foreign language films do.
Having trouble viewing the trailer? See it here.
P.O. Box 21396 Washington, DC 20009
202-234-FILM
Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
filmfestdc@filmfestdc.org