For Which They Stand- A CSUN Senior Thesis Film

THE STORY 

"For Which They Stand" focuses on the struggle of an Egyptian-American family living in a post-September 11th America that turned against them, and others of the same background. The film follows Ibrahim Hosney, a recently-immigrated family man and small-business owner, with the unfortunate coincidence of working in the aviation industry. He struggles to make ends meet as he receives a letter from a new government initiative entitled "NSEERS" threatening to take him away from his pregnant wife, Yasmina, and son Amir. The Hosney family's future lies in the hands of an impersonal, callous, and discriminatory immigration monolith. The film's exploration of themes such as discrimination and deculturalization culminates by exposing Ibrahim to the stark ways in which this new reality will affect his family’s livelihood and future.

ABOUT NSEERS

“The National Security Entry-Exit Registration System (NSEERS) targeted foreign nationals from 25 countries based on religion, ethnicity, and national origin. NSEERS was a discriminatory policy that ran counter to the fundamental American values of fairness, equal protection, and failed as a counterterrorism policy.” - American Civil Liberties Union  

The supposed “terrorists among us” that Attorney General John Ashcroft pledged to target, put roughly 14,000 innocent men and boys as young as 16 into removal proceedings, under one single and largely forgotten initiative that was only dismantled in 2011, after separating countless families. Deportations and detainments left spouses and children without their paternal figure or primary breadwinner - stranding them in detrimental financial and emotional situations. 

NSEERS failed as a counterterrorism policy as it did NOT identify or apprehend ANY terrorists. What it did was further alienate, profile, and separate families from predominately Muslim, Middle Eastern, North African, and South Asian communities. 

Being aware of such policies and recognizing that this is not a single issue is crucial in understanding the dangers of reactionary policies that compromise civil liberties in the name of security. We must ensure that future policies are both effective and equitable, protecting national security without sacrificing fundamental rights. 

ABOUT DECULTURALIZATION AND ASSIMILATION

Beyond the one initiative, this story also touches on deculturalization and forced assimilation. With this film we present the beauty of having a connection with a mother culture and then emphasize the heartbreaking effects of isolating people from them. The pressure to assimilate comes with a rejection of one's identity, as many people are coerced into being more "palatable" to others in hopes of being accepted into their communities. They comply, wanting to give their kids a better life - but we often overlook the long term repercussions of such actions. This can be detrimental to their individual identities and relationships with others, especially as many immigrant families are already separated from their loved ones. These changes can lead to the loss of languages and the separation of future generations with important aspects of their culture. These are regrettably not uncommon stories as the same themes, pressures, and patterns continually affect a vast selection of nationalities and ethnicities. By understanding these issues we can be more vigilant in preventing them.

YOUR DONATIONS

These contributions will allow the cast and crew to expand creative decisions for the delivery of a powerful story. Your donations will be used to successfully acquire the materials and services necessary to bring our film to life. This includes the following:

• Locations: permits, insurance, transportation, etc. 
• Equipment rentals: camera, lenses, lighting, grip & electric, etc.
• Casting: hiring talent, studio teacher, background, etc.
• Sound: equipment rentals, composing, etc.
• Art: production design, wardrobe, hair & makeup, etc.
• Promotional content: videos, fundraiser prep, etc.
• Post production: transcoding, color, hard drives, etc.
• Food: catering & crafty to keep the cast and crew fed.

*ALL CONTRIBUTIONS TO FOR WHICH THEY STAND ARE 100% TAX DEDUCTIBLE. THE CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, NORTHRIDGE FOUNDATION IS A CHARITABLE, NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION 501(C)(3) PUBLIC BENEFIT CALIFORNIA CORPORATION.*

MEET THE CREW

Writer and Director: Natalie Shousha ~ Producer: Riley Schwartz

Producer: Mia Ozaeta ~ Producer: Paola Perez 

Director of Photography: Lauryn Hosokawa ~ Camera Operator: Claudia Sepulveda

1st Assistant Camera: Kevin Sistaita ~ 2nd Assistant Camera: Kara Bresman

1st Assistant Director: Cammarey Elliott ~ Script Supervisor: Alexander Ruiz

Editor: Benjamin Rodriguez ~ Editor & Gaffer: Lucas Skurka

Production Sound Mixer: Gabriel Lim ~ Post Sound: Nicholas Huh 

Boom Operator & Post Sound Mixer: Henry Parker 

Production Designer: Ashton Morrow ~ BTS Video: Andy Lopez

Casting: Kerry Barker

SOCIAL MEDIA

Follow us on Instagram @forwhichtheystand.film

WE THANK YOU

We appreciate your interest and support towards our senior thesis project! Our crew is very excited to bring this film to life. Feel free to contact one of the producers or the director if you have any questions regarding the project. Thank you!

Writer/ Director: Natalie Shousha | natalie.shousha.407@my.csun.edu

Producer: Riley Schwartz | riley.schwartz.471@my.csun.edu

Producer: Mia Ozaeta | mia.ozaeta.610@my.csun.edu

Producer: Paola Perez | paola.perez.734@my.csun.edu