Film screening will show issues of Burma area

South Aiken High School students are taking action and spreading the word about international challenges.

Two years ago, students at SAHS started a chapter of Students Taking Action Now for Darfur (STAND). Since that time, students have been taking a stand about issues faced not only in Darfur but also around the world.

"Our goal is to spread awareness about Darfur, but this time we are doing something different with Burma," said Nate Foutch, STAND member. "The filmmaker grew up as a missionary kid in Thailand."

SAHS STAND will show "Border Story" today in the school auditorium at 3:30 p.m. Admission to the event is free of charge.

"Border Story," created by student filmmaker Joel Iliff, "tells the story of a silent crisis on both sides of the border," according to press materials. The film follows the challenges faced by ethnic minorities in Burma caused by being displaced from their homes by the violence of the country's ruling military regime.

"When people are forced to flee from their villages, they become known as 'internally displaced people (IDP).' It is not until they cross an international border that they then become 'refugees,'" states press materials. "'Border Story' takes an unflinching look into the lives of both IDPs inside Burma, refugees in neighboring Thailand and effectively documents the hardships they endure."

"It is supposed to be a good movie that shares the issues of Burma. It is a really repressed country," said Aaron Hodgkins, SAHS student.

The film showcases Burma's mountainous scenery and includes interviews with activists and victims to present a human drama. For more information about STAND or the film, e-mail sshipes@aiken.k12.sc.us.

Contact Rachel Johnson at rjohnson@aikenstandard.com.