LIVE VIRTUAL Q&A: October 11 at 8:00 pm EDT. CLICK HERE to register for FREE!

Marwa, a nine year old child, her mother and siblings are stranded in Zaatari Refugee Camp - Jordan, where they arrived in 2012 after escaping war in Syria. Marwa's playful character comes to life around her mischievous younger brother Mahmoud and her sassy younger sister, Ayah; they reveal the emotional impact war can have on a little girl. Four months into camp life, Marwa expects that they’d likely stay there for another week, maybe two. Over the ensuing four years, the director follows Marwa’s day to day life in the camp, where she blossoms from a child to a young woman, where life perseveres time and again, despite its unusual shape. Amidst daily challenges, we witness humor, friction, and resilience. As the years go by, Marwa gets attached to her camp life, friends, and make-shift home. One day, her elder brother is called upon by authorities for interrogation about his association with militant extremists, and their “settled” life takes an immense turn.

Programming descriptions are generated by participants and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Heartland Film.

Festivals and Awards

Busan International Film Festival

Cork Film Festival

CPH: DOX

Dhaka International Film Festival, Best Documentary in Woman Section

DocsBarcelona

Dok Leipzig

Dokufest, Human Rights Award

El Gouna Film Festival

Franco Arab Film Festival

IDFA

International Women Film Festival of Sale

MDOC

Mizna Arab Film Festival, Documentary Audience Award Winner

Sheffield Doc/Fest

Take One Action

Film Contact

Dina Naser

dina.naser@gmail.com