Film Screenings On Refugees, North Korea At Arlington Central Library

ARLINGTON, VA — Arlington Public Library is hosting two documentary film screenings, featuring a discussion with each filmmaker, as part of the library system’s recognition of “Welcoming Week 2002.”

The film “Dear Refugee, Love Zarmina,” a film about Afghan refugees to the United States who continue their struggles as they leave everything behind and move to a new country, will be shown at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday in the auditorium at Arlington Central Library. Film director Amina Chaudary will discuss the film.

Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis is seating capacity is reached. Residents can RSVP to the event to receive an event reminder.

At 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Arlington Public Library will be showing “Borderless: The Last Americans,” a film about physician Ali Karim’s journey into North Korea, as one of the last Americans to enter the country before former President Donald Trump banned Americans from traveling to the country in 2017.

As with “Dear Refugee, Love Zarmina,” seating for “Borderless” is available on a first-come, first-served basis in the auditorium until capacity is reached. Residents can RSVP to the event to receive an event reminder.

From Sept 9 to 18, Arlington Public Library and other libraries across country are partnering with the nonprofit organization Welcoming America to celebrate this year’s theme #WhereWeBelong.

In recognition of “Welcoming Week 2022,” Arlington County Board Chair Katie Cristol issued a proclamation that read: “Public libraries having a long history of providing free resources and education to immigrants and refugees; serving as the gateway for immigrants and refugees, introducing them to their new communities; and libraries being instrumental in building a global village.”

September is also National Library Card Sign-Up Month. Residents are invited to sign up for a library card or renew their cards and join the library’s Welcoming Week activities.