filmmaking

Bridging the Gap Documentary

Amplifying the Voices of Newcomer Families to Foster Understanding and Transform Educational Practices.

Bridging the Gap is an award-nominated documentary and accompanying discussion guide produced by the Transliteracies Lab in partnership with filmmaker Nina Sudra. This powerful film project gives voice to immigrant and refugee families, sharing their stories of resilience, anxiety, and hope as they navigate a new life in Canada. 

The documentary aims to: 

  • Examine the mental health and wellness challenges faced by newcomer families. 
  • Empower these families by providing a platform for their narratives. 
  • Foster positive, productive relationships between resettled families, schools, and communities. 
  • Serve as a professional development resource for educators and school boards nationwide. 

Funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC), this project is a direct response to the heartbreaking reality that many newcomer families "fall through the cracks" of our educational system. 

in class

The Story Behind the Film

The documentary's roots are in a transformative, two-year research study in a rural Alberta high school. Working closely with newcomer and 1.5 generation students, Dr. Zaidi and her team uncovered profound racial, cultural, linguistic, and religious challenges. 

This research, which also led to student-led social media advocacy and a presentation at the 2023 American Educational Research Association (AERA) Annual Meeting, revealed an urgent need to translate these findings into a resource that could drive systemic change. Bridging the Gap was born from that need. 

Award-Nominated Impact

We are incredibly proud that Bridging the Gap was selected as a finalist for the 2023 AMPIA Rosie Awards, celebrating the best in Alberta film and television. 

This nomination is a testament to the powerful collaboration between our research team and the talented filmmakers at butterflytyphoon pictures, and, most importantly, to the courage of the families who shared their stories. 

participants

The Discussion Guide: Continuing the Conversation

To ensure the documentary leads to meaningful action, we have created a comprehensive Discussion Guide. 

This guide is an essential tool for: 

  • Educators in K-12 and university settings
  • Community organizations and support groups
  • Professional development workshops 

It provides frameworks for facilitating respectful conversations, challenging dominant and exclusionary beliefs, and mobilizing community stakeholders to create more inclusive, equitable environments for newcomer families. 

Learn more
guide cover

Get the Film & Support the Project

The documentary is available for streaming and purchase, making it an accessible resource for classrooms and communities across the country. 

Join us in giving voice to these deserving new Canadians and bridging the gap toward a more inclusive future.