‘Refuge’ documentary explores unlikely friendship between a Muslim refugee and former klansman

“Refuge” stars Christopher Buckley (left) and Dr. Heval Kelli (right).

Tomesha Faxio

Set in the most culturally diverse square mile in America, a new documentary, “Refuge,” shines a spotlight on the community of Clarkston, twenty minutes outside Atlanta. Filmmakers Erin Bernhardt and Din Blankenship first set out to show some of Clarkston’s unsung heroes, humble residents whose warmth and inclusivity served as a reminder of a prejudiced nation’s better angels. But an unexpected and extraordinary story of unlikely friendship and redemption unfolded before their camera’s eye. Bernhardt and Blankenship joined “City Lights” host Lois Reitzes via Zoom, along with one of the documentary’s subjects, a Syrian Kurd named Heval Kelli.

Interview highlights:

The evolving story and meaning of “Refuge”: