Exodus
A warm-hearted story of survival and friendship, Exodus is inspired by Abbe Hassan’s experience as a refugee who left war-torn Beirut for Sweden as a child. In the feature film, we meet the young Amal fleeing Syria. In a Turkish harbour, she meets the refugee smuggler Sam. Amal wants to travel to Greece where her sisters are, and then join her parents in Sweden. The quick-witted but traumatised young girl and the older, jaded Sam travel together through Europe in search of freedom, gradually developing a father-daughter relationship that will mean both their survival and awakening.
Awards
Gothenburg Film Festival Nominee (Dragon Award Best Nordic Film) Sweden | 2023 |
Reviews
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“Exodus – a masterful debut. /…/ A brilliant film, unique and deeply moving. /…/ Exodus is a grand drama about two people on the run which stands out with a unique story. /…/ The interaction between the two, Amal and Sam, is phenomenally well portrayed.”
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“An impressive feature film debut that bodes well for the future. /…/ It is not an easy subject which Abbe Hassan has chosen to portray, but he does it with great assurance and a surprisingly light hand. /…/ Everything is narrated with a great love for the characters and a seemingly impressive understanding of the playing field presented and the pieces moving along it.”
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“The last scene breaks my heart into a thousand pieces.”
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“Hassan’s film is a warm portrayal of humanity in the wake of the dark reality of war.”
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“Director Abbe Hassan creates pure film magic. /…/ A masterful feature film debut. /…/ Abbe Hassan is a name to remember. /…/ A brilliant and unique refugee drama.”
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“It’s a sweaty story. Not only figuratively speaking. The director Abbe Hassan is good at building stories with nerve and speed.”
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“There’s a lot of good stuff in here. Abbe Hassan has brought out the very best in the interaction between young talent Alqatami and Middle Eastern star Barhoum.”
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“The interaction between the Palestinian actor Ashraf Barhom and the Swedish debutant Jwan Alqatami is immediately vigorous and interesting.”
- Director
- Abbe Hassan
- Premiere
- 2023
- Genre
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- Drama