Documentary Tells Refugee Stories

Called Strangers Among You, the story follows refugees, migrants, and displaced people as they fight to feed their families, find employment, stay safe, and make new starts. The documentary was filmed in Colombia, Lebanon, Canada, Poland, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Thailand.

Director of the film, Arjay Arellano, said he started shooting the film in 2022 and was editing the 75-minute documentary right up until an hour before the first screening.

The 62nd General Conference Session of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, America’s Center Convention Complex, St Louis, Missouri, USA, June 3-12, 2025.

“[Strangers Among You] is a documentary film born out of countless miles traveled, countless stories heard, and countless moments of humanity captured on camera, because storytelling has power—it can tear down walls, soften hardened hearts, and spark action. It reminds us that behind every statistic, every news headline, there is a face and a dream,” he said.

Arellano believes the film’s human stories are relatable. A mother from Ukraine cannot find work in Canada, a father from Syria struggles to make enough money to feed his family, an ADRA worker in Colombia thinks about her unborn child as she feeds and interviews families of caminantes (walkers) walking across borders to provide a better life for their children.

The name of the documentary is based on Leviticus 19:34.

“As Christians we’re called to look after the least of these, to welcome the stranger, to love our neighbors near and far,” said Arellano. “My hope tonight is that this film opens our eyes, moves our hearts, and reminds us that in God’s kingdom there are no strangers.”

The film draws attention to some of ADRA’s projects, including those that have struggled to maintain funding and are at risk of shutting down, such as a school for refugees in Lebanon.

Israa, from Syria, whose family is featured in the documentary, shares her dreams of getting an education. Her little brother wants to become an engineer or a doctor.

“I think I can speak on behalf of all of us when I say if that movie right there didn’t move you, there’s something not quite right on the inside,” said Korey Dowling, ADRA International’s vice president for people and excellence. “Because it just can’t help moving you to action, to do something.”

For Arellano it is important to tell the stories in a way that retains the dignity and humanity of the subjects.

“I feel as though the documentary helps to explain what ADRA does, but I want [viewers] to think about the people in the film,” said Arellano. “These are families and communities—they have dreams, and because of what’s happening around the world, all these opportunities are being taken away from them.”

ADRA hopes to distribute the film on Adventist campuses and in ADRA offices around the world.

For updates on the film, visit <adra.org/strangersamongyou>.

Jarrod Stackelroth is managing editor of Adventist Record and Signs of the Times for the South Pacific Division. He is currently in St. Louis working with the Adventist Review team.