Women are at the forefront of the global refugee crisis. Yet, their stories are rarely shared. This year, we are changing that.

IRC’s Refugee Film Festival will shed light on the unique lived experiences of women whose lives have been reshaped by conflict and displacement. Join us to see three award-winning documentary films that reflect the journey, struggle, and resilience of women around the world. Each screening is followed by a discussion with an expert on the film’s subject matter. 100% of each ticket purchase will go to the IRC’s Women’s Resilience Center, the first-ever center for refugee women in San Diego.

Content Guidance: These films may contain themes/material that could be intense for some viewers. Viewer discretion advised.​

“Look no further than The Cave for a portrait of true heroism. Provides astonishingly immediate and gripping footage of the collective effort to survive. The Cave ranks among the best of films to portray the tragedy of the Civil War in Syria and the resilience of the everyday people who keep the spirit of the nation alive.” – POV

The Cave | June 24 | 6:30pm

Synopsis: Oscar nominated Feras Fayyad (Last Men in Aleppo) delivers an unflinching story of the Syrian war with his powerful new documentary, The Cave. For besieged civilians, hope and safety lie underground inside the subterranean hospital known as the Cave, where pediatrician and managing physician Dr. Amani Ballour and her colleagues Samaher and Dr. Alaa have claimed their right to work as equals alongside their male counterparts, despite the patriarchal culture and norms that exist above ground. Following the women as they contend with daily bombardments, chronic supply shortages and the ever-present threat of chemical attacks, The Cave paints a stirring portrait of courage, resilience and female solidarity.