Hungary Viktor Orban America Donald Trump and Coordinator Maher Azem

: These accusations are the messages of powerful politicians, like Hungary Viktor Orban and America Donald Trump, who appeal to fear and racist stereotypes about Muslims and Syrians to mobilize the support of their populations, according to Rabble. Building solidarity and community Despite this spectre, Festival Coordinator Maher Azem is amazed at the positive response from the audience and the wider community. "We definitely need to re-organize ourselves strategically for the upcoming future to keep the momentum going," said Azem. Its organizers understand that simply declaring this as a naked demand is not enough to make it effective. "We need a festival that approaches the issue from a different angle, namely that of the arts," said SYFF Program Committee member Aisha Jamal. "Film communicates on so many levels and it is wonderful for us to see how receptive, enthusiastic and supportive Toronto audiences ... were of our selection of films." In our global political climate, reactionary voices across Europe and North America continue to silence Syrian refugees with their accusations of terrorism, infiltration, and invasion. That includes strengthening already tight bonds with Toronto artistic and charitable organizations, many of whom were sponsors, partners, and co-presenters of films. And that community of supporters and allies is growing. "We received numerous requests to re-screen the films from different community groups," said Azem. For example, Growing Home, a short documentary about a Syrian barber eking out a living in Jordan Zaatari refugee camp, premiered at SYFF. Later this December, it will play at Toronto JAYU Human Rights Film Festival, a SYFF partner. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.