Allies in Exile
For 14 years, Syrian filmmakers Hasan Kattan and Fadi Al-Halabi have journeyed together through war and storytelling. Their bond was forged on the frontlines of revolution where their cameras recorded terror and hope, laughter and heartbreak – moments that defined a generation.
Years later, their story takes an unexpected turn. Confined inside a UK asylum hotel, Hasan and Fadi document a new chapter shaped not by bombs, but by waiting, bureaucracy, and exile. Amid rising anti-refugee hostility, they turn the camera inward exploring friendship and displacement and how filming itself becomes an act of survival when the future is so uncertain.
Also in this combined programme
-
Rotation
“Rotation” is a therapeutic hypnosis ritual experienced by a young Ukrainian woman who shifted from civilian life to military service. -
Super Afghan Gym
In a gym in downtown Kabul, a group of housewives gather during the only hour of the day reserved for women. -
Whispers of a Burning Scent
A quiet wedding musician finds his private life exposed to public scrutiny. -
Film details
- Countries of production
- United Kingdom, Syria
- Year
- 2026
- Festival edition
- IFFR 2026
- Length
- 40'
- Medium/Format
- DCP
Shows of "Allies in Exile"
-
-Video on demandEnglish subtitledPress & IndustrySoon available
-
LantarenVenster 5
This screening consists of the following films:
- Rotation
- Super Afghan Gym
- Allies in Exile
- Whispers of a Burning Scent
- Sense of Water
In-personEnglish subtitledPress & Industry -
Oude Luxor
This screening consists of the following films:
- Rotation
- Super Afghan Gym
- Allies in Exile
- Whispers of a Burning Scent
- Sense of Water
In-personwith Q&AEnglish subtitled -
de Doelen Jurriaanse Zaal
This screening consists of the following films:
- Rotation
- Super Afghan Gym
- Allies in Exile
- Whispers of a Burning Scent
- Sense of Water
In-personwith Q&AEnglish subtitled -
de Doelen Jurriaanse Zaal
This screening consists of the following films:
- Rotation
- Super Afghan Gym
- Allies in Exile
- Whispers of a Burning Scent
- Sense of Water
In-personEnglish subtitled