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Samia

Yasemin Şamdereli
festival
Sat 26 Apr 25 - Sun 4 May 25
  • Caution with children up to 12 years of age

‘Samia’ tells the true story of the determined and talented Samia Yusuf Omar. A shocking narrative that, despite its harsh reality, finds hope in motivation and representation. 

During the escalating Somali civil war, nine-year-old Samia and Ali make a pact: Samia will go to the Olympic Games, and Ali will be her coach. Samia Yusuf Omar becomes the fastest woman in Somalia, but the ongoing political unrest makes her journey all but impossible. 

This gripping story leaves you both shaken and filled with a warm sense of hope. It is a moving portrayal of an extraordinary and unwaveringly determined woman. Against the backdrop of political unrest, oppression and religious extremism, Samia embodies hope and resilience. An essential story for a turbulent time. 

direction
Yasemin Şamdereli
cast
llham Mohamed Osman, Kaltuma Mohamed Abdi, Fathia Mohamed Absie
duration
96 min
year
2024
country
Somalia
language
Somali, English
Subtitles
Dutch
  • Caution with children up to 12 years of age

festival

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Regisseur

Yasemin Şamdereli

director

"Samia is an inspirational portrait of a young athlete who won’t let circumstances stop her from reaching her dreams. And like millions of others escaping nations ravaged by war, she risks her life for the hope of a better future" - Jason Gutierrez