Inspiring, humorous and touching in equal turns, Soufra follows the emotional journey of Mariam Shafar, a daring Palestinian refugee living in the Bourj el-Barajneh refugee camp on the outskirts of Beirut, Lebanon. Thomas Morgan’s documentary Soufra is named after Mariam’s catering business, and means a long table filled with good things to eat. Through personal, down-to-earth interviews and Morgan’s quiet observational approach towards filming, this documentary chronicles the collective challenges and milestones of Soufra’s journey. Beginning as a catering company managing school lunches and private parties, this film documents their next stop – to develop their business by buying a food truck, in effect expanding their business beyond the walls of the refugee camp. But Soufra is much more than a catering company, it has become a symbol of hope and empowerment for those side-lined and rejected by society.

Soufra subtly opens up conversations regarding difficult issues relating to racial and gender discrimination, national identity and terrorism. As the camera follows Mariam’s physical journey through the narrow decrepit lanes of the refugee camp, with its walls lined with dirt and graffiti, the audience is haunted by the sense of waste and stagnancy permeating the reality of its inhabitants. The documentary takes on a somber turn when the audience is informed of the dangerous environment these refugees live in, where live electrical circuits dangling freely throughout the streets kill many during rainy days. Moreover, not only is citizenship denied to them, but many are restricted from certain professions or refused work completely. A mother shares that her 21-year old son sits at home all day, unable to get a job or move on with his life. Refugees living in such camps often risk their lives and venture into the vast open seas. It is no wonder why – anything seems better than the living death they are condemned to in these camps. It simply seems to be a life not worth living.

Nonetheless, Soufra is more than just a tragic tale of refugees in Lebanon. It is a narrative that stands testament to human will and resilience in times of hardships and suffering. To purchase a food truck, the women behind Soufra experience various trials and tribulations to transform their dreams into reality. Doing so is often difficult but liberating. One of the proudest moments in the documentary is when Mariam learns how to drive. The excitement with which she finally takes the wheel of Soufra’s first food truck is an emotional and inspiring moment, which clearly reflects her new sense of confidence and self-sufficiency.

Soufra empowers the women to move out of their comfort zones. They overcome the living deaths they are condemned to, and blossom through this entrepreneurial venture. They realize their own potential to become more than what their environment limits them to be. In heading out beyond the physical boundaries of the refugee camps, they also cross the invisible line between refugees and the general community, and begin to interact with the rest of Lebanon’s society. I believe that through their interactions and relationships built with the rest of society, Soufra has become an important force in changing the way people view refugees. Indeed, the final image of the film is of them openly interacting with members of the public with excitement and confidence; the public, in turn, is supporting their business eagerly.

Soufra emphasizes the very humanity of such refugees. Through the numerous interviews, one is introduced to the various vibrant personalities behind Soufra. The ladies behind the business are fun-loving, funny, dynamic and unique. It makes one realize the very simple truth that hey, these people are not that different from us. They are not dangerous citizens teetering on the edge of terrorism, but genuine people trying to make their way through life with dignity and respect.

Ultimately, we are left with the lingering impression of the laughter, passion and very genuine humanity of these women. One would hope that this stirring tale of Soufra will become a catalyst for others to understand and accept the humanity of refugees all around the globe.

By Stephanie Heng