Exodus

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
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Reviews

  • 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.”

    ★★★★★

    Kulturbloggen, Sweden

  • “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.”

    ★★★★

    Filmtopp, Sweden

  • “The last scene breaks my heart into a thousand pieces.”

    Kulturnytt i P1, Sweden

  • “Hassan’s film is a warm portrayal of humanity in the wake of the dark reality of war.”

    ★★★★

    Bio.nu, Sweden

  • “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.”

    ★★★★

    Moviezine, Sweden

  • “It’s a sweaty story. Not only figuratively speaking. The director Abbe Hassan is good at building stories with nerve and speed.”

    ★★★★

    Nöjesguiden, Sweden

  • “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.”

    Aftonbladet, Sweden

  • “The interaction between the Palestinian actor Ashraf Barhom and the Swedish debutant Jwan Alqatami is immediately vigorous and interesting.”

    DN, Sweden

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Director
Photo: Jesper Brandt Abbe Hassan
Premiere
2023
Genre
  • Drama

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