Film Description (short)
American Heart
Seven years in the making, this Emmy-winning documentary takes viewers on an intimate journey into the lives of three refugees who now call America home. All of them confront life-threatening health emergencies throughout the course of the film, and their trajectories prove surprising even to their doctors.
Seven years in the making, this Emmy-winning documentary takes viewers on an intimate journey into the lives of three refugees who now call America home. All of them confront life-threatening health emergencies throughout the course of the film, and their trajectories prove surprising even to their doctors.
Film Description (medium)
American Heart
Seven years in the making, this Emmy-winning documentary takes viewers on an intimate journey into the lives of three refugees who now call America home. All of them confront life-threatening health emergencies throughout the course of the film, and their trajectories prove surprising even to their doctors. At the center of it all is a remarkable health clinic, tucked away in the Hamline-Midway neighborhood of St. Paul. The HealthPartners Center for International Health serves a diverse population of refugees and immigrants from around the world. American Heart is directed by Minneapolis filmmaker Chris Newberry, edited by St. Paul's Bill Kersey, and executive-produced by Melody Gilbert.
Seven years in the making, this Emmy-winning documentary takes viewers on an intimate journey into the lives of three refugees who now call America home. All of them confront life-threatening health emergencies throughout the course of the film, and their trajectories prove surprising even to their doctors. At the center of it all is a remarkable health clinic, tucked away in the Hamline-Midway neighborhood of St. Paul. The HealthPartners Center for International Health serves a diverse population of refugees and immigrants from around the world. American Heart is directed by Minneapolis filmmaker Chris Newberry, edited by St. Paul's Bill Kersey, and executive-produced by Melody Gilbert.
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Press Releases
Praise for American Heart
“In my 39 years of screening documentaries, I can recall only one that captured me as completely as this one did. I was blown away. It is a spectacular film.”
- Bill Hanley, Vice President, Twin Cities Public Television
“Beautiful film! American Heart packs an emotional wallop as it portrays the lasting legacy of commitment, caring, and hope.”
- Social Justice Film Festival
“The film's goal is a simple one: to offer a look into the real lives of real people as they face all-too-real health challenges.”
- Minnesota Public Radio
“A wonderful documentary film… end-of-life issues, family, resilience and how life unfolds in mysterious ways.”
- Robin Lackner, health care consultant, The Human Heart
“ An indie gem… The viewer cannot help but root for the three men and admire the commitment of the physicians and staffers.”
- Ruben Rosario, St. Paul Pioneer Press
“A wonderful film that is an eye-opener for anyone concerned about the lives of immigrants and refugees in our country, with beautifully detailed portraits of three immigrants from Ethiopia, Burma, and Cambodia.”
- Big Water Film Festival
“These individual stories of grief and resilience are interesting enough on their own terms, and while hot-button topics such as immigration reform and healthcare costs are not directly addressed, American Heart puts a compelling face on these issues. Recommended.”
- Video Librarian Magazine
“After seeing this film, I have committed to making curiosity and compassion bigger in my life."
- Sandra Kramer, President, Minnesota Health Strategy and Communications Network