Amreeka

Amreeka (Dabis, 2009) is the story of a mother, Muna, and her son, Fadi, and their transition from Palestine to America in the early 2000s. Muna, who is recently divorced, is a well educated woman who works hard to make sure she can send her son to a private school. Even though the Iraq war has caused trouble in her hometown, Muna braves the checkpoints and soldiers and drives two hours every day to get her son to school. When the opportunity presents itself, Muna and Fadi move to the United States so that Fadi can get an American education. They move in with Muna's sister, Raghda, and her doctor husband, and even though Muna had 10 years of experience in the banking industry in Palestine, the only job she can find is at the local White Castle. Even though the family are Palestinian Christians, they are often perceived as potential Muslim terrorists. When Fadi is faced with the fear and ignorance of the students around him, he grows bitter toward his new environment. He gets into a fight with one of his classmates after the boy caused his mother to slip at work and hurt her back. This is Fadi's lowest point. His mother brings him home from jail and teaches him that no matter what ignorant things people might say or think about him, he must hold his head high and be proud of his heritage. After this, the mood lightens and things start to look bright for the family as they all enjoy a meal together. Muna is finding success at work, the family is happy and not fighting, and Muna may have found a replacement for her cheating ex-husband.