Along the Way

Nineteen-year-old sisters Zahra and Fatima, born to Afghan parents in Iran, try to flee to Europe with the rest of their family. At the border between Iran and Turkey, the sisters lose their family. Amidst the chaos they run into the wrong direction, only to end up in Iran again. While they have to take care of themselves, not knowing who to trust, they make a second, dangerous attempt to reach Europe. In order to survive in a hostile world swarming with human traffickers and drug dealers, they face choices and dilemmas which put their relationship and conscience to the test. 

During the journey from Iran through Turkey to Greece, this social realist drama shows us what it is like to be a refugee from a female perspective. A special story lies behind the film: Dutch director Mijke de Jong taught a workshop at the refugee camp Moria when she was approached by the Rezaie sisters, who were interested in the world of cinema. The sisters asked her to make a film together about their experiences. And Mijke de Jong said yes.

The sisters share their experiences of the journey and that testimony is the blueprint for this moving, powerful film. Because of Zahra and Fatima’s story, the world behind the news footage is given a face. This touching film cleverly avoids all forms of sentimentality and transcends political correctness. Like this, there is plenty of space for your own interpretation and thoughts. Just as the impressively acting twin sisters, the whole cast is composed of refugees.