Baghdad Messi

In a Syrian refugee camp, a young boy named Hassan dreams of becoming a footballer and idolizes Lionel Messi. When his family is granted a chance to move to Belgium, Hassan faces the heartbreaking decision of leaving behind his beloved dog, Messi, who is named after his hero. The film follows Hassan's journey as he navigates displacement, dreams, and the complex emotions of leaving a part of his life behind.

Baghdad Messi has been recognized for its poignant portrayal of a child refugee's struggles and dreams, resonating with audiences for its emotional depth and exploration of universal themes of hope and belonging. While not widely released in major markets, it has garnered attention at film festivals.

• A touching and emotionally resonant story about a young boy's dreams in the face of adversity.

• Highlights the difficult choices and sacrifices faced by refugee children.

• Praised for its sensitive direction and the performance of its young lead.

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Selected for various international film festivals, including the Golden Rooster Awards in China.

The film's director, Sahim Omar Kalifa, is himself a Kurdish refugee who fled Iraq in his youth, bringing personal experience to the narrative.