“A heartwarming tale of triumph over adversity”

NATIONAL POST // Chris Knight

“An absolute Indie gem that premiered at Tribeca, Jonathan Keijser’s Peace by Chocolate warmed the cockles of my heart. --- Keijser’s writing and narrative techniques impress big time with their simplicity apart from with its mature stand on politics in general.”

FILMY SASI // Tusshar Sasi

“Wonderfully made, beautifully acted, and completely engaging film”

THE INDEPENDENT CRITIC // Richard Propes

“When all of the serious dramas and urgent documentaries have faded from your mind, odds are Peace By Chocolate is going to be the film that you not only remember but revisit.”

UNSEEN FILMS // Steve Kopian

“A true story brought to dramatic life with a combination of genuine humor and deep pathos, Peace by Chocolate tackles the weighty issues of our present with a healthy dose of whimsy.” 

FILM FESTIVAL TODAY // Staff Writer

“Though its presentation is extremely polished, Jonathan Keijser and co-writer Abdul Malik admirably leave in the rough edges narratively regarding the sacrifices he has to make for the sake of the family…”

MOVEABLE FEST // Stephen Saito

“…it’s like Frank Capra came back from the dead to make a movie in Canada.”

LETTERBOXD // Michael O’Keefe

“...Jonathan Keijser and Abdul Malik’s screenplay about a refugee looking to accomplish his dreams is told as a drama-comedy hybrid. This dual-tone takes a potentially heartbreaking yet inspiring story and gives it a different layer by adding humor, making it more watchable to the common viewer. --- The believability and amazing performances are also a tribute to the great directing.”

FILM THREAT // Chris Salce

“...Peace by Chocolate transcends the expected, sneaking up on you, guiding you toward emotional devastation and reconciliation.”

ELEMENTS OF MADNESS // Douglas Davidson

“Ammar is magnificent in his performance as Tareq Hadhad. We laugh with joy as he succeeds, and we feel the punches when he faces setbacks. Ammar is thoroughly invested in the character enough that we can see it in his eyes. From the moment he steps off the plane as a refugee to the moment he steps onto a stage as a motivational speaker, Ammar successfully wins us over as both a refugee and an average young man trying to succeed in today’s overly competitive world.”

CULTURED VULTURES // Grady Bolding

“A large part of why Ammar is successful comes from the simplicity, but realism present in writers Jonathan Keijser and Abdul Malik’s writing. The dialogue, specifically, reflects that of the real world, and makes viewers feel like they can relate to what is being said...Each and every word spoken feels real and lends itself well to the acting and the overall scope of the film. --- Cinematically Peace by Chocolate offers the world so much as well. There are so many delectable layers to Keijser’s film, and viewers have no choice but to love everyone.”

BAIN’S FILM REVIEWS // Kyle Bain 

“The psychological struggle between father and son to find common ground and navigate the complexities of family duty, assimilating to a new country, and heartbreak and survival has the viewer white-knuckling at the edge of their seat, as they witness these obstacles nearly tear the family apart.”

THE KNOCKTURNAL // Charlotte Kohlberg