Building Peaceful Bridges (BPB) is excited to welcome Lori Miller at our December 7th Virtual Quarterly Luncheon, (Noon CST). Lori will speak about Day One, a documentary that she produced and directed. Day One follows a group of teenage refugees from war-torn countries who are enrolled at Nahed Chapman New American Academy, a unique public school for refugees and immigrants in St. Louis, MO. Joining her in this luncheon discussion, will be Donnie Harris, former Principal, and Kelly Moore, Director, both affiliated with the school.

The students at Nahed Chapman New American Academy are guided through an inspirational program of education, healing and trauma intervention by devoted educators, some of whom have chosen to relocate to the inner city to support their students. Over the course of a year, we watch the students progress through layers of grief and loss as they attend school, forge new friendships, and prepare to be mainstreamed into local public high schools. Their triumphs and tribulations all unfold with St. Louis as the backdrop: a rust-belt city that has taken the bold step of welcoming immigrants as a solution for their growing socio-economic problems.

Lori Miller did an amazing job of capturing the lives of young refugees in this remarkable documentary. It is inspiring to see how other groups across the U.S. are bridging the gap for refugees and new immigrants and creating a safe haven in their new homes. BPB hopes to see this program become replicated in other cities across the country.

Lori Miller is a graduate of Barnard College, NY. Originally from New Haven, CT, Lori is now based in Los Angeles where she has been working as a director and producer. She is well known for her documentaries on arts and culture. Day One is her directing debut.

In addition to Day One, Lori has produced several other documentaries. They Came to Play, is an award winning film about the inspirational stories of older amateur pianists who rekindle their musical dreams later in life. Shakespeare High is about underserved teens in Los Angeles who study Shakespeare and stay in school. Virtuosity is about the Van Cliburn professional piano competition.

BPB hosts educational luncheons listening to refugee stories and “knowledge experts” speak on immigration and refugee programs.