In Izmir, Turkey, a Syrian refugee family prepares for a daunting journey. They pack life vests and backpacks, placing their phones in waterproof holders. The children are excited. It feels like an adventure to Germany, but the stakes are high. While hope shines through, the shadow of uncertainty looms.
The documentary One In A Million, co-directed by Itab Azzam and Jack MacInnes, captures this family’s journey over nearly a decade, primarily through the eyes of their daughter, Israa. Their path begins with a treacherous crossing from Turkey to Greece, then continues through Greece and the Balkans to Austria, finally settling in Germany. Unlike many portrayals of refugee experiences, this film emphasizes the daily lives of the family rather than sensationalizing their dangers. The tension of crossing the Aegean is palpable, even when understated.
The family’s mother, Nisreen, is a strong yet quiet force in the film. Having missed out on education and marrying young, she arrives at this new life feeling constrained. Yet, as they travel through rainy weather with a child who has disabilities, she finds unexpected joy in movement. Her journey morphs from a desperate escape into a chance for liberation, highlighting that not all flight is solely driven by trauma.
As the years pass, the dynamics shift. Israa grows up in Germany, and her relationship with her father, Tarek, becomes strained. While Tarek tries to hold onto traditional family values, the world outside is changing rapidly. The documentary addresses this tension subtly, allowing viewers to feel its weight without hammering home the details.
However, not all family members get equal attention. Israa and her parents share their story, while her siblings, particularly the sister with disabilities, fade into the background. This distinction raises questions about representation and agency in such narratives.
The film’s narrative coincides with significant events in Syria, such as the fall of the Assad regime, creating a poignant backdrop for Israa’s growth. Now married and a mother, her journey leads her back to Aleppo. Yet, this return isn’t straightforward. As she stands amidst the ruins, she grapples with her identity and question of belonging. Are they visiting or truly returning? These reflections speak to a larger theme of diaspora and the complex notion of home.
Despite these profound moments, the film often glosses over the broader political landscape that shapes their lives. Major events within Syria are present but remain in the background, which may leave viewers wanting deeper insight into the family’s context.
The title One In A Million captures the individual amidst a vast sea of displaced lives. Israa’s story resonates, representing countless others who share similar experiences. It emphasizes moments that defy easy definitions: children donning life vests, a mother finding freedom in the rain, and a daughter carving her own identity under her father’s watchful eye.
The documentary ultimately forces viewers to confront their own feelings about displacement and identity. It’s a moving portrayal, though it sometimes skirts around the fuller realities at play.
For more on the plight of refugees, visit the UNHCR for updated insights and statistics.
