San Marino Family Brings The World To Their Home

Los Angeles (I-Newswire) June 22, 2011 - San Marino, CA – On Tuesday, June 21st William and Shelley Enger invited filmmakers from Afghanistan and Morocco to their home for dinner and conversation with family and friends. The Enger’s are Citizen Diplomats with the International Visitors Council of Los Angeles (IVCLA) and help shape foreign relations through the open exchange of ideas with emerging leaders from around the world. The two filmmakers, Ms. Diana Saqeb from Afghanistan and Mr. Rabii El Jawhari from Morocco, came to the Los Angeles area as participants in the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), the flagship international exchange program of the U.S. Department of State.

The IVLP aims to give practical exposure to emerging leaders from around the world to gain first-hand knowledge from their American professional counterparts. As a cultural component to their program, the Enger family invited the filmmakers to their home to get a real feel for life in America. Mr. Enger said “they were delightful and we engaged in a thought provoking conversation. We invited friends, Ian and Ali Stewart. Our 15 year old daughter, Anna, also participated in much of the conversation. The time just flew by.” The international filmmakers thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to visit an American home and have open dialogue on topics of common interest. Everyone realized that they had more in common than they did differences.

Ms. Saqeb is one of the founders of BASA Afghanistan Cinema Club, which organizes classes, discussions and critiques for people interested in filmmaking in Kabul. BASA also organizes workshops in the rural provinces, thus enabling even those in remote areas to acquire filmmaking skills. Mr. El Jawhari is a documentary filmmaker. His recent productions include a film on the sequestered people of Tindouf (allegedly mentally ill people kept as virtual prisoners) and a film on perceptions of Europe and America as seen through Moroccan eyes. The latter focused on how America is viewed by Moroccans from different backgrounds and ages. Mr. El Jawhari sees this film as a tool to fight stereotypes and misperceptions on both sides of the cultural divide.


For information about the International Visitors Council of Los Angeles visit www.ivcla.org


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About International Visitors Council of Los Angeles:
The International Visitors Council of Los Angeles (IVCLA) is a non-profit, non-partisan organization. Our mission is to increase respect, mutual understanding and cooperation between the Los Angeles region and the rest of the world. IVCLA works to accomplish this mission through the professional meetings and cultural activities we arrange for emerging international leaders who are individually selected by U.S. embassies throughout the world and sponsored by other public and private organizations.

These potential international leaders are welcomed to the Los Angeles area by IVCLA’s Citizen Diplomats (our individual members and professional resources) who invite the visitors into their homes and offices. Through our programs visitors gain a better understanding about the individuals, organizations and businesses of Greater Los Angeles and our local participants learn more about the rest of the world. Lasting professional connections and friendships are often created.

Company Contact Information
International Visitors Council of Los Angeles
Helen Thomas
3540 Wilshire Boulevard
Suite 910
90010
Phone : 213-388-1428