The Nebraskans
Services:
- Storytelling
- Video Production & Editing
- Distribution & Marketing
After fleeing civil war in Somalia, Awale and Souad resettled in Grand Island, Nebraska, where they’re raising a family, running a business, and contributing to a town they now call home. The Nebraskans offers a rare, intimate portrait of the American Somali experience — a story of faith, resilience, and the ongoing work of belonging.
Directed by Robert Steven Williams (Gatsby in Connecticut, To the State of the Good Life), this feature-length documentary is the first in a planned series spotlighting Somali soccer players who fled conflict and started over. Awale, once a standout player for Mogadishu’s Elman FC, is now building a quieter legacy rooted in family and possibility as US citizens in Nebraska.
With footage filmed in 2021 and 2023, we plan to return in 2025 to continue documenting this uniquely American journey. We’re actively seeking funding, post-production support, and impact partners—particularly those aligned with arts, storytelling, migration, and refugee resettlement work.
We’d love to collaborate as part of the release of THE NEBRASKANS. Our goal is to shed light on the unique American Somali experience through our National Outreach Program:
- Virtual Events to elevate conversations—features film clips and discussions with experts.
- Policy & advocacy campaign at the Federal and State levels.
- Screenings at conferences, workshops, and other events at the national, regional, and local level.
- National PBS television broadcast.
- Film festivals to build broader awareness and momentum.
- Digital release on major screening platforms like Amazon, iTunes, and Google Play.
The Nebraskans is currently reviewing opportunities for a fiscal sponsor.
To get involved or support the project:
robert@againstgrain.com