Watch Rain in a Dry Land

Rain in a Dry Land is a documentary film from 2006 that explores the lives of two Somali Bantu families as they struggle to adjust to their new home in the United States. Directed by Anne Makepeace, the film follows the families as they navigate the challenges of living in a new country, learning a new language and culture, and trying to hold on to their own traditions and beliefs while assimilating into American society.

The film begins in a refugee camp in Kenya, where we meet two families - Mahmoud and Khadijo, and their four children, and Shukri and Kuma, and their five children. They are among the thousands of Somali Bantu refugees who are waiting to be resettled in the United States, having fled their homeland due to civil war and persecution.

After a long and arduous process, the families are finally granted asylum in the United States and are resettled in Atlanta and Springfield, Massachusetts. They are provided with a modest apartment, furniture, and household items, and are given a small sum of money to start their new lives.

However, the families quickly realize that their new life is not going to be easy. They struggle to adjust to the cold weather, the unfamiliar food, and the strange customs of their new home. They also have to learn English and find jobs, all the while dealing with the trauma of their past experiences.

Mahmoud, who was a farmer back in Somalia, finds work as a meat packer in a factory, while Shukri becomes a hotel housekeeper. The children are enrolled in school, and they experience their own challenges trying to fit in and make friends in a new and unfamiliar environment.

As the families navigate their new lives, the film explores the various ways in which their traditional Somali Bantu customs clash with American culture. For example, Khadijo, who wears a hijab, struggles to find work as her appearance conflicts with the expectations of some potential employers. The families also find it difficult to adjust to the way in which Americans prioritize individualism over family ties and community.

Despite the challenges, the families remain resilient and determined to succeed. They are helped along the way by various organizations and individuals who provide support and advocacy. For example, the families receive aid from the International Rescue Committee and the Ethiopian Community Development Council, as well as assistance from volunteers who offer help with everything from driving lessons to grocery shopping.

In many ways, Rain in a Dry Land is a story of hope and perseverance. The families face tremendous obstacles, but they never give up. They are determined to build a better life for themselves and their children, and they do so with grace and dignity.

Throughout the film, Makepeace's camera captures many poignant moments. We see the children at school, singing the Pledge of Allegiance and learning to read and write in English. We see the families gathering together for meals and prayer, holding on to their cultural traditions despite the challenges of assimilation. And we see the families expressing their gratitude and appreciation for the opportunities they have been given.

In the end, Rain in a Dry Land is a powerful and moving testament to the resilience and determination of refugees. It is a reminder of the tremendous sacrifices that they make in order to come to a new country, and of the many challenges they face in trying to start a new life. But it is also a reminder of the immense strength and courage that refugees possess, and of their unwavering hope for a better future.

Rain in a Dry Land is a 2006 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 22 minutes.