Swimmers is a powerful film based on the true story of Yusra and Sara Mardini, two sisters from Syria. The movie follows their journey from war-torn Damascus to the 2016 Rio Olympics. As the Syrian Civil War escalates, the sisters decide to flee to Europe.

Their journey is perilous, involving a dangerous crossing of the Aegean Sea where they use their swimming skills to save fellow refugees when their boat’s engine fails.

Once in Germany, Yusra continues to pursue her dream of competing in the Olympics, eventually joining the first-ever refugee team at the 2016 Rio Games.

The film highlights their resilience, courage, and the broader refugee crisis, making it a touching and inspiring story of survival and hope.

Available to watch on Netflix.

For Sama is a deeply moving documentary that chronicles the life of Waad al-Kateab during the Syrian Civil War. The film is a personal account, capturing five years of Waad’s life in Aleppo as she falls in love, gets married, and gives birth to her daughter, Sama.

Waad, a journalist and filmmaker, documents the harrowing experiences of living in a war zone, including the constant bombings and the struggle to survive. Her husband, Hamza, is one of the few doctors remaining in Aleppo, running a makeshift hospital to help the injured.

The film is framed as a love letter to Sama, explaining the reasons behind their decision to stay in Aleppo despite the dangers.

It highlights the resilience and courage of ordinary people amidst the chaos of war, offering an intimate look at the human cost of conflict.

Available to watch on Netflix.

Matar is a poignant short film directed by Hassan Akkad. It tells the story of an asylum seeker named Matar, played by Ahmed Malek, who navigates the harsh realities of living undocumented in the UK.

The film begins with Matar stealing a bike on a cold night in England, which he uses to work as a food delivery rider. Despite his efforts to build a life, he faces isolation and the constant threat of deportation due to the UK’s stringent immigration policies. The film is based on the lived experience of co-writer Ayman Alhussein - one of our Asylum Speakers.

Matar’s journey highlights the struggles and resilience of asylum seekers, shedding light on the human impact of immigration laws and the quest for belonging in a foreign land.

Available to watch on Water Bear.

The First Drop of Rain: Making MATAR is a short documentary that delves into the creation of the film Matar. Directed by Mabel Evans, this 17-minute film follows the journey of Hiba Noor (another of our speakers), a multi-disciplinary artist who fled Pakistan and now resides in London, and has recently been granted asylum.

The documentary provides an intimate look at Hiba’s experiences and the challenges faced by asylum seekers in the UK. It also explores the artistic process behind Matar, highlighting the real-life struggles and resilience of those seeking refuge.

Available to watch on Water Bear.