Screening in —
Stories of Belonging
Friday, September 11, 2026 · Bend, OR
Middle Eastern, North & West African, and South Asian communities · Welcoming Week
About the Event
“Stories of Belonging” is part of the City of Bend’s Welcoming Week. Join Shararah Films for an afternoon screening of the short documentary American Jedi: The Salman Hamdani Story, followed by a community conversation centered on the lived experiences of Middle Eastern, Muslim, and South Asian immigrants in the United States. We will hear directly from our main speaker, Bassem, along with other members of the community.
Meet Bassem
Bassem was born in Syria, left as an infant, and has spent his life between countries including a period in Central Oregon. For more than three decades, he has volunteered in communities across the American West, work he continues today alongside leading his own technology startup. His essays and research draw on classical Arabic philosophy to explore migration, belonging, and what makes communities strong — seeking ancient wisdom for today’s challenges.
About the film
American Jedi: The Salman Hamdani Story is a short 38-minute documentary. A devout Muslim and proud Pakistani-American immigrant — an NYPD cadet and EMT — makes the ultimate heroic sacrifice. Like the fictional Jedi he admires, Salman Hamdani is ready to face adversity for the sake of others. On the morning of September 11, 2001, this young man takes a daring leap and runs toward the Twin Towers. When his body isn’t immediately found, his absence inevitably leads to questions—and suspicions. His family is forced to overcome tragedy and ostracization in response to their son’s death. His mother, Talat, fights to honor Salman, stand for truth, and break down barriers for Muslim Americans in the post-9/11 world. This is the true story of heroism, faith in the American Dream, and one mother’s struggle to honor her son.
Event details
This event is funded by the City of Bend. See the official City of Bend listing for updates.
- Date
- Friday, September 11, 2026
- Time
- 2:00–4:00 pm
- Film
- Short documentary · 38 minutes
- Venue
- Deschutes Public Library Central Library, Community Room 2 61956 SE Santorini St, Bend, OR 97702
- Admission
- Free
- Food
- Complementary traditional food will be available for all to enjoy.
