

Movie spotlight
Belonging
Zeki is a freerunner whose life is turned upside down when his father, the widower Mahir, decides to move from Rotterdam to Istanbul. While Mahir goes out to work, Zeki has to spend the summer holidays inside the posh gated community where they live. Escaping over the wall, Zeki befriends Kemal and other street kids, who are pickpockets. Trying to belong, he conceals how he lives in the gated community. As Kemal and Zeki get closer by the day, Kemal's best friend becomes jealous…
Insights
Plot Summary
In the Calabrian coast of Italy, a group of young African migrants navigate their precarious existence while searching for belonging. Faced with societal prejudices and uncertain futures, they form a tight-knit community that offers solace and hope amidst hardship. The film follows their daily struggles, their dreams of a better life, and the bonds they forge in a world that often rejects them.
Critical Reception
Belonging received critical acclaim for its authentic portrayal of migrant life and its sensitive direction. Critics praised the film's raw emotional power and the performances of its non-professional cast, highlighting its contribution to a deeper understanding of the migrant experience.
What Reviewers Say
A deeply moving and humanistic look at the lives of young African migrants.
Features powerful, naturalistic performances that resonate long after viewing.
Praised for its empathetic storytelling and its unflinching depiction of challenging realities.
Google audience: Audiences generally lauded the film's authenticity and emotional impact, with many appreciating its focus on the personal stories of the migrants and the sense of community they build.
Awards & Accolades
Selected for the Directors' Fortnight at the Cannes Film Festival.
Fun Fact
The film features a cast comprised primarily of non-professional actors, many of whom are migrants themselves, adding a layer of profound authenticity to the narrative.
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