Like many young people around the world, best friends Fawzi and Mahmoud are obsessed with soccer. For the past several years, the teenagers have been stuck in Zaatari, the world’s largest camp for Syrian refugees, located in Jordan. With uncertain legal status and an interrupted education, their prospects are limited. On the local soccer pitch, however, they can imagine a brighter future as professional athletes, a path to escaping the camp and providing for their families. When a world-renowned sports academy visits Zaatari, Fawzi and Mahmoud believe they might be able to realize their dreams—if given the opportunity. Making his feature directorial debut, Ali El Arabi crafts an intimate portrait of friendship and enduring hope in the face of the most challenging odds. Employing an observational approach, El Arabi captures indelible moments that immerse the audience in Fawzi and Mahmoud’s experiences—and in their dreams.—Sundance Film Festival
In Arabic with English subtitles
- Year2020
- Runtime73 min
- LanguageArabic
- CountryEgypt
- DirectorAli El Arabi
Like many young people around the world, best friends Fawzi and Mahmoud are obsessed with soccer. For the past several years, the teenagers have been stuck in Zaatari, the world’s largest camp for Syrian refugees, located in Jordan. With uncertain legal status and an interrupted education, their prospects are limited. On the local soccer pitch, however, they can imagine a brighter future as professional athletes, a path to escaping the camp and providing for their families. When a world-renowned sports academy visits Zaatari, Fawzi and Mahmoud believe they might be able to realize their dreams—if given the opportunity. Making his feature directorial debut, Ali El Arabi crafts an intimate portrait of friendship and enduring hope in the face of the most challenging odds. Employing an observational approach, El Arabi captures indelible moments that immerse the audience in Fawzi and Mahmoud’s experiences—and in their dreams.—Sundance Film Festival
In Arabic with English subtitles
- Year2020
- Runtime73 min
- LanguageArabic
- CountryEgypt
- DirectorAli El Arabi