#SUNDANCE: “FLEE”

Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong

This engrossing Documentary tells the story of an Afghan refugees, known as the pseudonym Amin, journey from Kabul to Copenhagen.

Director Jonas Poher Rasmussen creates filmmaking ingenuity by mixing animation and archive footage. The animation is used, along with pseudonyms, to keep the identity of Amin protected. Additionally, the animation puts audiences into the experience of being an adolescent fleeing multiple countries in search of safety. The archive footage amplifies the risks Amin and his family encountered staying in Kabul and on their multiple passages.

Rasmussen’s personal relationship to Amin aids this Documentary. Amin opens up about his family, his frightening journey, his identity and more. Through one man’s honest and heartbreaking story we learn about the sacrifices refugees make in the search for a safer home. Further, it explores the PTSD refugees experience decades following their harrowing passages. Such as the psychological impact of how one loves and trusts within their relationships.

Flee screens at Sundance:

Live Premiere: January 28 at 10 PM (EST)

On-Demand (available for 24 hours): January 30 at 10 AM (EST)