Flee

| 2021

Directed by: Jonas Poher Rasmussen

Main Plot

"Flee" is an animated documentary directed by Jonas Poher Rasmussen that tells the harrowing true story of Amin Nawabi (a pseudonym), who recounts his journey as a child refugee from Afghanistan. The film unfolds through a series of interviews and animations, where Amin shares his experiences for the first time. Escaping his homeland as the Mujahideen seize power, Amin and his family face numerous hardships and losses. They make several attempts to find safety, moving through Russia and other countries, constantly confronting the threat of deportation and the challenges of living as undocumented immigrants. As an adult in Denmark, Amin grapples with his past traumas and the secrets he has kept hidden, even from his closest loved ones. The film explores themes of identity, belonging, and the meaning of home, while also delving into the personal costs of displacement and the search for a place to feel safe. "Flee" uses its unique narrative style to blend personal storytelling with broader socio-political issues, providing a deeply emotional and insightful look into the life of a refugee.

Characters

  • Daniel Karimyar voices Amin Nawabi, the protagonist, recounting his harrowing journey as a gay Afghan refugee navigating complex traumas and seeking asylum and acceptance.
  • Fardin Mijdzadeh is a supportive friend and confidant to the protagonist, aiding in his journey of self-discovery and escape from persecution.
  • Milad Eskandari is a pivotal character who aids the protagonist in escaping persecution from their home country, significantly impacting the narrative's progression and emotional depth.

Ending Explained

"Flee," directed by Jonas Poher Rasmussen, concludes with the protagonist, Amin Nawabi, finally confronting and sharing his traumatic past, which he had kept secret for many years. Throughout the film, Amin, a pseudonym used to protect his identity, narrates his harrowing journey as a child refugee from Afghanistan to Denmark. The narrative is structured around his sessions with Rasmussen, his close friend and the filmmaker, revealing layers of his past as he prepares to marry his partner, Kasper. In the climax, Amin reveals the full extent of the sacrifices and decisions that shaped his life, including the painful separation from his family and the lies he had to maintain to protect his refugee status. This act of sharing his story with Rasmussen and, by extension, with the audience, serves as a cathartic moment for Amin, allowing him to reconcile with his past. The film ends on a note of tentative hope. Amin, having disclosed his deepest secrets, feels a sense of relief and begins to envision a future where he can live openly and authentically with his partner. The conclusion underscores the themes of identity, trauma, and the healing power of storytelling, emphasizing the personal liberation that comes from facing one's past and speaking one's truth.

Jonas Poher Rasmussen Documentary Animation Biography Daniel Karimyar Fardin Mijdzadeh Milad Eskandari