Amreeka

Muna Farah is a divorced Palestinian Christian mother raising her teenage son, Fadi, in Ramallah. She works at a bank and navigates daily challenges, including crossing an Israeli checkpoint to pick up her son from school.

One day, Muna discovers that she has won an American green card in a lottery. This momentous news initially causes her to contemplate rejecting the opportunity, questioning whether it truly represents a brighter future for her and Fadi.

After facing intimidation from Israeli soldiers at the checkpoint while crossing back to Bethlehem, Muna realizes the urgency of her family's situation. This encounter serves as a wake-up call, prompting her to re-evaluate their future.

Following the 2003 invasion of Iraq, Muna and Fadi make the difficult decision to move to the United States. They seek refuge with Muna's sister, Raghda, in hopes of a better life but find the transition rife with challenges.

At customs, Muna has a heartbreaking experience when her box of cookies, containing her life savings, is confiscated. This incident leaves her distraught and highlights the immediate obstacles they face in their new environment.

In her new city, Muna eagerly searches for work but becomes disheartened when her qualifications do not lead to job offers. Ultimately, she settles for a position at White Castle, far below her potential and aspirations.

To protect her family's pride, Muna fabricates a story about working at the bank next to her actual workplace. With the help of her colleague and a high school dropout named Matt, she manages to maintain this façade.

As Muna settles into her new life, she realizes that her sister's family is also struggling under the Post-9/11 atmosphere. They face threats and personal crises, leading to a temporary separation between Raghda and her husband, Nabeel.

Fadi begins encountering bullying at school, leading to serious confrontations. His experiences prompt a meeting with the school principal, Mr. Novatski, where they discuss the harmful stereotypes affecting their community.

During their discussion, Mr. Novatski reveals that he also comes from a background of oppression, sharing a mutual understanding with Muna. This conversation fosters a newfound connection between their diverse communities.

Fadi faces arrest after a confrontation at school when he defends himself against bullies. Muna turns to Mr. Novatski again, who intervenes on Fadi's behalf, demonstrating his support and commitment to justice.

After Mr. Novatski's intervention leads to Fadi's release, this kindness acts as a turning point for Raghda and Nabeel. Their relationship begins to mend as they cope with the pressures facing their family.

Muna bumps into Mr. Novatski again at White Castle while her family is there for dinner. She invites him to join them, which leads to an unexpected yet enjoyable evening that strengthens their friendship and community bonds.

During the dinner, Muna's family engages in playful teasing and heartwarming interactions with Mr. Novatski. This memorable evening filled with music and dance signifies a growing sense of belonging and acceptance in their diverse community.