CIFF23 - Exodus

Book now

More information about

Release date: 17 September 2023

Running time: 102 minutes

The subject of asylum seekers is an emotive one. To make it the central theme of your first feature is a bold and courageous move from director Abbe Hassan. 12-year-old Amal (Jwan Alqatami) is fleeing the brutal oppression of the Syrian regime and wants to travel to her family in Sweden. Currently she is trapped in Turkey. A chance encounter with people smuggler Sam (Ashraf Barhom) provides her with someone who is willing to take her to her relatives. And so begins a most unusual odyssey across Europe. As powerful as Sally El Hosanini’s recent feature The Swimmers, yet with a friendship at the centre which evokes the relationship of Luc Bresson’s Leon. Please note: There will be no ads or trailers, so please arrive promptly at the advertised start time. For more information on the Cheltenham International Film Festival, please visit https://cheltfilm.com/