TERROR AND HOPE, THE SCIENCE OF RESILIENCE is an inspiring 30-40 minute documentary film on its way to completion. The filming is done, but we need your help to bring our story of Syrian terror and compassionate hope to the world.

We All Live Under the Same Sky

The chance of birthplace can doom a child – whether they’re born in Central America, SE Asia or the Middle East. In Syria, indiscriminate bombing, gas attacks and sniper fire have taken a terrible toll on families - driving more than 5.5 million men, women and children from their homes and their country. But amid the chaos of war, there may be some hope for the refugee children of Syria along with others fleeing conflict around the world. Committed scientists and humanitarians are working together to make a change in the refugees' prospects for a safe and rewarding life.

Heart and Intellect Working Together for the Damaged and Vulnerable

Toxic Stress is stress that is so severe, prolonged, or frequent that it can damage a child's developing brain - affecting mental and physical health, functionality and behavior for a lifetime. Since DNA is altered by severe stress, the impact on families can span generations.

Over this past year, our cameras have captured young Jordanian scientists as they work in refugee communities trying to better understand the impact of toxic stress on these children and their families. We've heard the heartbreaking stories of families torn apart and forced from their homes. We've seen the compassion of researchers as they strive to expand knowledge while comforting mothers whose families will never be the same. When asked whether they are scientists or humanitarians, most were at a loss - since of course their science is driven by a desire to help families around the world forced from the safety of their homes and shattered by war.

We've also witnessed the compassionate efforts of aid workers and educators – many of them Syrian refugees themselves - as they work directly with vulnerable children in Jordan’s Zaatari refugee camp. Implementing new knowledge of toxic stress and its impact on a child’s brain, they are making a real difference in these children's chances for a happy, successful life.

Why this Film Matters

As violence and poverty continue to fracture and displace families around the world, it can be difficult to see any hope – but hope does exist – carried forward by dedicated scientists and humanitarians who lead with their intellect and hearts. TERROR AND HOPE, THE SCIENCE OF RESILIENCE tells their story and hopefully will inspire increased understanding and support for this groundbreaking work.

In addition to reaching a general audience through television and on-line streaming, we are targeting high school and college students, educators, healthcare professionals and community organizations that work with refugees. A leader’s guide will be produced to aid in framing conversations and stimulating meaningful dialogue.