Chance events often conspire to alter our life paths in unforeseeable ways. Some outcomes are joyful, even if the journey is long, daunting, and uncertain.
Amin Faqiry is a professional combat cultural and political linguist, and for 10 years worked as an interpreter with the U.S. Coalition in Afghanistan. Following President Biden’s rapid withdrawal of American troops and the Afghan government’s subsequent fall to the Taliban, Faqiry’s world turned to chaos, and he knew he had to flee his homeland. He and his family boarded a C-130 in the summer of 2021, finally arriving in Rhode Island on October 30.
At the end of 2021, Rhode Island PBS contributing producer Justin Kenny interviewed Faqiry about his life-altering experience for him, his spouse and children, and their journey to Rhode Island. The story, titled “Finding Hope,” premiered on Rhode Island PBS Weekly on January 9, 2022.
Now, the story has earned a Silver Telly Award and Justin Kenny has since been named senior producer at Rhode Island PBS Weekly.
"Rhode Island PBS Weekly presents some of the most powerful and locally relevant short documentaries on television, produced by a talented group of professionals,” said Rhode Island PBS President David W. Piccerelli. “We are thrilled this story was awarded a Silver Telly."
“I’m so honored that my first story with Rhode Island PBS Weekly and its amazing team has won this prestigious award. I’m very grateful to Amin Faqiry for his willingness to share the story of his family’s dangerous and harrowing escape from Afghanistan.”
Justin Kenny is an Emmy and Peabody award-winning producer, filmmaker, and media consultant, experienced in creating high-impact video content for broadcasters, online media, and international organizations. Owner of Small Footprint Films, Justin was a foreign editor and senior producer for PBS NewsHour, and North America duty news editor and producer for Reuters.
The award-winning “Finding Hope” is available to view through the Rhode Island PBS Video On Demand portal.