Gary Garvin, a UW-Eau Claire junior marketing major from
Black River Falls, was a cinematographer on a film, sharing stories of Somali
refugees who have settled down in Baron County and how U.S immigration policies
have directly impacted their families.
Joel Friederich, associate professor of English at UW-Eau Claire,
initially wrote the immigrants stories, which were published last May in the
UWEC-Baron County’s literary journal, Red Cedar.
After the stories were published, IABC members showed
interest in using stories as a basis for the “Somali Stories” film project. Lee
Friederich contacted Dang Yang, Office of Multicultural Affairs Director, along
with Garvin, for help on starting the film.
“This documentary-style film challenges viewers to connect
the evolving federal immigration policies with some of the real community
members living in our area,” said Dang Yang.
“I am humbled and honored to have helped encapsulate their
stories and to have played such an extensive role in the production of the film.
One family separated is one too many,” said Garvin.