Chance Encounter Productions, LLC. CEP Films, LLC Announces the film release of: Nickel City Smiler

As a child, Smiler Greely lived in Burma. At age 10, Smiler and his family were forced to flee their small village when the Burmese army attacked, tortured, raped and killed the Karen (kuh-ren) ethnic minority. While just a teenager, Smiler was forced to join the resistance army in an attempt to restore peace in his country. Smiler and his family eventually escaped to Thailand to live in various refugee camps for the next 20 years. In Beh Klaw refugee camp, Smiler met and married Ma Dee and together they have three children. His family continued to endure confinement and poverty within the refugee camp before being selected for resettlement in the United States. In 2007 Smiler, his wife, and three children were assigned to live in Buffalo, New York. 
 
Nickel City Smiler documents the ways in which Smiler's resettlement in Buffalo is at times as challenging as the life he left behind. Refugees continue to battle hardship, violence and bureaucracy in one of America's poorest cities. Smiler's determination, optimism, and desire to support his community are manifested in his son Moe Joe's moral idealism and sense of social justice. The strength present in Smiler's family represents the very essence of the resilient refugee community.   
 
Nickel City Smiler is a documentary that exposes the challenges that refugees encounter once they have reached America. While most of the residents of Buffalo, NY are willing to help others in times of need, there are unfortunately a few that continue to bully refugees. In addition, the aid that refugees receive from government contracted resettlement agencies is often inadequate. Nickel City Smiler is a small voice for the refugees with a simple message: The journey for many refugees never ends and hope and determination are the cornerstone of their character. This film attempts to open Americans' eyes to the reality of refugee resettlement and to embrace the refugees' presences in every community.

Visit our website at www.nickelcitysmiler.com to view a trailer and to find links to information on refugee communities.