Directors
Nasib Farah and Søren Steen Jespersen
Production support
Went to Good Pitch
This is a story about young Somali men who grew up in the West but ended up as lost al-Shabab warriors. They have regretted their involvement, they have deserted al-Shabab and are now hiding in Mogadishu and other Somali cities, trapped in a deadly limbo between al-Shabab and their sympathizers in Somalia, who want to kill them for deserting, and their western home countries, who have turned their back on them.
Long Synopsis
This is a story about young Somali men who grew up in the West but ended up as lost al-Shabab warriors. They have regretted their involvement, they have deserted al-Shabab and are now hiding in Mogadishu and other Somali cities, trapped in a deadly limbo between al-Shabab and their sympathizers in Somalia, who want to kill them for deserting, and their western home countries, who have turned their back on them.
The film will follow the warriors as they face their central dilemma: Should they try to return to their western country and face imprisonment and, likely, deportation? Should they stay in Somalia and try to build a new life and accept the constant risk of getting killed by al-Shabab? Or should they flee Somalia and join the stream of refugees heading against Europe?
Because of the violence in al-Shabab and the policies in the west, the warriors are left with very few options. Will the choice between these few options push the young men back into terrorism simply to get the protection necessary to stay alive?
As we follow this process, we get a deeper understanding of the young men’s mind-set, motivations and hopes. And this crystalize the dilemma of the western governments: Nobody wants a potential terrorist. But what happens if the governments do not help these young men back into society? Will we accomplish what they fear the most – creating a terrorist?
Production Company
made in copenhagen produces compelling and complex stories from the real world to International audiences. We love stories that relects how reality is rarely one-sided or simple. We want to move and surprise our audience and we have high ambitions when it comes to cinema: we work with unique characters, strong visuals and last but not least with the most dedicated directors. made in copenhagen has a solid foundation within an expanding network of International funds, broadcasters, co-producers and distributors. The company was founded in 2010 by producer Helle Faber, who also acts as managing director of the company.
