A latest short film from the Sanctuary Foundation is highlighting the plight of contemporary Bethlehem, and all those facing violence and dispossession around the globe this Christmas.
“Far From Home” is the Sanctuary Foundation’s latest free resource for churches, schools, and community groups to make use of within the lead-up to Christmas.
It is a three-and-a-half-minute animated movie from videographer John Bowen illustrating the links between the lived experiences of individuals in Bethlehem and the unique Christmas story.
Told from a toddler’s perspective, the film tells the story of a family forced to go away their home not once, but twice, as they seek shelter within the face of an impending birth.
Standing in stark contrast to the normal ‘silent night, all is calm’ traditional image of the primary Christmas, the film will remind audiences of the struggles not only faced on that night, but the continuing turmoil around the globe today that sees many families with nowhere to call home.
The film has been made available in each English and Arabic. Adding to the poignancy of its story is the English narration provided by a 12-year-old boy currently residing in Bethlehem.
Sanctuary Foundation hopes the film will draw attention to the continuing plight of families and kids around the globe, especially within the Middle East, and act as a reminder of the continuing relevance of the Christmas story in today’s world and the message of hope that it brings to all who feel removed from home.
“I highly recommend churches, schools and community groups to indicate ‘Far From Home’ as a part of their Christmas celebrations this 12 months, to indicate that the Christmas story of hope is as relevant now as ever,” said Dr Krish Kandiah, founder and director of Sanctuary Foundation.
“It will help us reflect on what we will do to bring peace, comfort and joy, especially to all those forcibly displaced from their homes by conflict.”
