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Deep Dive: Life on the Border (2015)

Film Lens

Life on the Border
In 'Life on the Border', Kurdish filmmaker Bahman Ghobadi presents the lives of eight children living in refugee camps in Kobanê and Shingal. Each child uses a camera to capture their daily experiences, providing a personal perspective on their lives amid displacement. The film centers on 13-year-old Mahmod and his sister as they leave the camp to search for their parents' home in war-torn Kobanê. Through the lens of these young filmmakers, the documentary conveys the stark realities of living in a refugee camp while expressing a longing for a better future. The children's films serve as a powerful medium to illustrate their struggles and the hope that persists despite the surrounding devastation.

Why Watch

  • •Meet Mahmod and his sister in Kobanê.
  • •See the world through children's cameras.
  • •Find out what life is like in refugee camps.

Did You Know

•The film features eight children living in refugee camps.
•Mahmod is 13 years old and searches for his parents' home.
•The documentary was directed by Basmeh Soleiman in 2015.
•The film has a runtime of 73 minutes.

Perfect For

Kurdish cultureChild filmmakersRefugee experiences