SAMIA (somali/englische OmU)

In the organizer's words:

by Yasemin Samdereli, Germany / Belgium / Sweden / Italy 2023, 102 min.
With Ilham Mohamed Osman, Elmi Rashid Elmi, Riyan Roble

Thu. 26.9. followed by a panel discussionwith guests from Europe Cares, Seebrücke and Mission Lifeline.

Every morning, Samia races her best friend on the way to school - and she always wins. The nine-year-old is determined to take part in Mogadishu's annual city run. But while her father supports her and promises her real sneakers if she wins, her mother holds her back. Women are not allowed to play sports and there is a great risk of running into the arms of a patrol. But Samia will not be stopped. She continues to train secretly at night and finishes first in front of all the adults at the city run. Suddenly everything seems possible and the stars seem within her grasp: one day Samia wants to be the fastest woman in Somalia at the Olympic Games.

Following her million-selling success ALMANYA - WELCOME TO GERMANY, director Yasemin Samdereli tells the incredible story of Somali track and field athlete Samia Yusuf Omar, who took part in the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. The film, based on true events and based on the bestseller "Don't say you're afraid", is a touching portrait of a strong and cheerful young woman who pursues her dream against all odds.