Flee Reading Response

Refugees are individuals forced to leave their home countries due to an unbearable fear of persecution, violence, or conflict due to factors such as race, religion, or nationality. They consequently seek safety and protection in another country. However, although this is the truth of countless lives across the world, we are blind to the story and experience as many refugees remain quiet about their traumas due to a well-found fear of being further persecuted or even sent back to the country they abandoned. Yet, director Ramussen is able to capture the pain of a refugee in his film “Flee” and share the touching story with the world.

The film “Flee” follows the story of Amin Nawabi, an Afghan refugee living in Denmark. Amin shares his personal and harrowing journey as a child refugee fleeing Afghanistan during the Soviet-Afghan War. His family faced numerous hardships and dangers as they sought safety and a better life in Europe. “Flee” is a touching exploration of identity, trauma, resilience, and the universal human desire for a sense of belonging. It features very innovative storytelling and an ability to shed light on the experiences of refugees, making it both a personal and universal tale of survival and hope.

The unique aspect of “Flee” is its blending of animation with Amin’s interviews. The animation sequences help visualize Amin’s memories and emotions, adding a layer of depth to his narrative. The film not only explores the physical struggles of migration but also delves into the psychological and emotional toll it takes on individuals and families.

Without conversation, stories remain untold and history is left unmade. The conversations, particularly the interviews with Amin Nawabi, serve as the primary means of storytelling. Through these interviews, Amin shares his personal experiences, memories, and emotions related to his journey as a refugee. These emotionally charged conversations form the narrative backbone of the film, allowing the audience to connect with Amin’s life and understand his perspective. Amin’s accounts of his family’s struggles, the dangers they faced, and the sacrifices they made elicit a strong emotional response from the audience. The candid and intimate nature of these conversations makes it easier for viewers to empathize with Amin and the challenges he and his family encountered. Amin’s conversations also touch upon themes of identity and self-reflection. As he recounts his experiences as a refugee and the process of seeking asylum in Denmark, he grapples with questions of identity, belonging, and the impact of his past on his present. These conversations highlight the complex interplay between personal history and one’s sense of self.

“Flee” uses conversations to humanize the refugee experience. By sharing Amin’s personal story and allowing him to speak directly to the audience, the film challenges stereotypes and preconceptions about refugees. It emphasizes the shared humanity of individuals who have undergone similar journeys and hardships. Through conversations, the film connects Amin’s past with his present life. They reveal how the experiences of his childhood continue to shape his adult life and relationships, underscoring the long-lasting impact of trauma and displacement. Amin’s conversations in the film can be seen as a form of catharsis and healing. Opening up about his past and sharing his story can be therapeutic for him, allowing him to process his experiences and come to terms with his history. Overall, conversations in “Flee” serve as a means of storytelling, emotional engagement, self-exploration, and humanization. They allow the audience to connect with the film’s central character, Amin, and gain a deeper understanding of the refugee experience and the complex interplay of identity and trauma.

As a viewer, I was surprised by the power of Amin Nawabi’s personal narration. His ability to convey his experiences and emotions through interviews and conversations draws viewers into his world and makes them feel deeply connected to his story. Despite focusing on a specific individual’s journey, “Flee” manages to touch on universal themes of identity, belonging, family, and resilience. The film’s ability to resonate with audiences from various backgrounds is surprising and speaks to its broad appeal. Amin’s personal narration humanizes the refugee experience, going beyond statistics and headlines to provide a personal, relatable account of the challenges and triumphs faced by refugees.