Director Noaz Deshe, in a conversation with Euronews Culture, discusses his new film ‘Xoftex’ and the unique challenge of portraying the hopes and dreams of refugees in Greece. This poignant film, set against the backdrop of the Syrian Civil War, offers a refreshing perspective on the refugee crisis, choosing humor, fantasy, and even the occasional zombie over the traditional portrayal of despair. The film premiered at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, captivating audiences with its unconventional approach.
Deshe emphasizes the importance of empathy, stating, “Empathy should not be a bonus, it should be built in. It’s not something we should even need to mention. It’s a basic compound of you being a human being. And we’re losing it.” He highlights the challenges faced by refugees in Greece, describing the chaotic situation and the systemic issues that plagued the asylum system, including corruption and the disappearance of children. Despite the bleak realities, Deshe’s film chooses to celebrate the resilience and aspirations of these individuals, refusing to succumb to the social realism genre’s tendency to portray unremitting misery.
The film, inspired by the real-life refugee camp Xoftex, follows the story of two brothers, played by former asylum seekers Abdulrahman Diab and Osama Hafiry, as they navigate the uncertainty of their situation while nurturing their dreams. The camp itself transforms into a surreal landscape, blending reality with fantasy. Deshe explains, “If you show just the raw reality of it, then you risk victimizing people, and dehumanizing people, because you’re not showing their aspirations; how they’re fantasizing. You’re not showing that they’re funny; talented or their potential. The experiment is to create a more intimate space. To drop that documentary reality and bring you into the documentary of the dream.” The film’s innovative approach is a testament to Deshe’s commitment to showcasing the human stories behind the statistics, the dreams that persist even amidst the chaos.
Deshe’s vision extends beyond the film’s narrative, encompassing a broader critique of the current sociopolitical landscape. He laments the proliferation of hate speech fueled by algorithms and the erosion of nuanced narratives. He believes that artists have a responsibility to counteract these trends, using their platforms to shed light on important issues. “I see my work as something very simple. You get a flashlight, you go somewhere where you feel, you need to point it. Sometimes it’s a camera, sometimes it’s a piece of music, whatever you can do, you should do with that flashlight.” Deshe’s message is clear: in a world increasingly consumed by negativity, empathy and nuanced storytelling are crucial for fostering understanding and challenging the prevailing narrative of hate. ‘Xoftex’ serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring human spirit and the importance of looking beyond the headlines to see the individuals behind the stories.
