About Us
Our core team is made up of my family. We are refugees from Iran. I am a legal expert and filmmaker with professional experience in my home country, while my wife is an accredited member of the Iranian Documentary Film Producers Association and holds a master’s degree in sociology. Our son, a writer, is currently studying animation at the University of Birmingham.
Since arriving in the UK, we have become acutely aware of the significant mental health challenges facing the refugee community. We have heard countless accounts of trauma, survival, and resilience.
At the same time, we have been profoundly moved by the heartfelt and often selfless support extended by the British people—hosts who have offered not just shelter but genuine compassion, helping refugees begin to heal and rebuild their lives.
The Urgent Context
According to a UNICEF report published in July 2023, at least 289 children lost their lives or went missing while attempting to cross the dangerous Central Mediterranean route from North Africa to Europe during the first half of that year. That’s the equivalent of around 11 children each week.
Every day, before the sun reaches its peak, at least one child disappears beneath the surface of the Mediterranean—without a cry, without a name, and without the world taking notice. Their stories go unrecorded, yet their silence echoes through the waves. These are the unnamed truths of thousands of refugee children whose journeys end not on land, but in the depths of the sea.
Our Project
Our film is rooted in this tragic reality. It aims not only to highlight the irreversible dangers of sea crossings—a pressing concern for the British government—but also to portray the warmth and humanity shown by the British public.
We have chosen to explore this theme through a fictional narrative framed within a documentary-style setting—allowing us to tell the story with both emotional depth and creative authenticity.
The film centres on Naghmeh, a young refugee mother who loses her twin babies at sea and is left traumatised by the experience. Alongside her stands an English woman who, while facing her own struggles, offers unwavering support—demonstrating the power of empathy and cross-cultural solidarity.
Naghmeh, a survivor of human trafficking, lives with the relentless torment of her nightmares. Recreating these sequences will be among the most challenging aspects of our 35-minute film, as we strive to portray her inner world with sensitivity and realism.
Where possible, real refugees will participate in the production—as extras, advisors, or performers—bringing authenticity to the screen and reinforcing the film’s social credibility.
Impact Beyond the Screen
We intend to screen the film not only at festivals but also in schools, churches, and community centres, ensuring it makes a tangible impact within society and raises awareness at a grassroots level.
Why We Need Your Support
To realise our vision, we aim to produce a professional-grade film with high production values that resonates with audiences both in the UK and internationally.
Our fundraising target is £85,000. This will allow us to maintain authenticity and artistic integrity throughout the project.
Budget Breakdown
Professional Cast & Crew (£25,000): Hiring experienced actors and technical professionals.
Production Costs (£20,000): Equipment hire, location fees, set design, and realistic effects—particularly for the storm-at-sea scenes.
Refugee Camp Recreation (£10,000): Faithfully rebuilding parts of the Calais camp to portray the conditions refugees face.
Post-Production (£15,000): Editing, sound design, colour grading, and musical composition to deliver a high-quality final cut.
Distribution & Festival Submissions (£8,000): Expanding our reach through film festivals, community events, and digital platforms.
Contingency & Miscellaneous (£7,000): Ensuring production continuity and covering unforeseen costs.
How You Can Help
By contributing to this project, you are helping to amplify refugee voices, foster empathy, and promote greater understanding.
Whether through a donation or by sharing our campaign, your support is vital in helping us bring this important story to the world.
Join us.
Help us bring this story to life and create a film that not only exposes the harsh realities of the refugee crisis but also honours the compassion and courage that connect us all.
Thank you, in advance, for your attention and support.