California Story Fund
Iraq in California
Chaldean-Middle Eastern Social Services
El Cajon
Project Director: Alex Farnsley
A documentary film about the Chaldean Iraqi experience
This project will create a 30-minute documentary film about Chaldean Iraqis in El Cajon, the majority of whom immigrated to California in mid 1990s seeking refuge from the political dangers of their homeland.
Storytellers will offer insight into the Chaldean American world and how living in California has changed and sometimes strengthened Chaldean traditions.
“While Chaldeans represent only a small percentage of the population in Iraq (Shias, Sunnis and Kurds make up most of it), they account for almost 90 percent of U.S. Iraqi immigrants,” said Project Director Alex Farnsley. “San Diego’s population of Chaldean Iraqis is second only to that of Detroit’s,” he added.
“What we want to look at is, how have their culture patterns changed with each new generation, what of their heritage have they protected, how have they contributed to our society, and how have we benefited from their ethic of hard work, deep faith and a strong family focus.”
The film will be screened within the Chaldean community and at the U.S. Marine Corps Base at Camp Pendleton, where many soldiers have served or will serve in Iraq.