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Deep Dive: Asylum (2003)

Film Lens

Asylum
Asylum is a 2003 short documentary directed by Sandy McLeod that follows a young Ghanaian woman seeking refugee status in the United States. The film addresses her plight as she faces the threat of forced marriage and female genital mutilation, highlighting the cultural and personal conflicts that arise from these practices. The documentary presents a personal narrative that emphasizes the woman's struggle for autonomy and safety. It captures her experiences and the wider effects of seeking asylum in a foreign country, providing insight into the challenges faced by those fleeing oppressive circumstances.

Why Watch

  • Meet a young Ghanaian woman fighting for her freedom.
  • See the impact of forced marriage on personal lives.
  • Find out about the asylum process in the U.S.

Did You Know

Asylum was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Short in 2003.
The film has a duration of 20 minutes.
The protagonist is a young woman from Ghana.

Perfect For

Human rights advocatesDocumentary enthusiastsCultural studies students