THE DREAM BETRAYED ME
Feature Film
France, Belgium & Germany
In 2004 in Qamichli, Syria, 17-year-old Mesto dreams of only one thing: he wants to be accepted into his city's football club. But despite his talent, he is rejected because, as a Kurd, he has no papers. During the game between Qamichli and the neighbouring city, the club coach calls him to replace an injured player out of necessity. After ten minutes of play, Mesto scored an unexpected goal, but his joy was marred by a riot that broke out in the stands among the fans, resulting in several deaths. Very quickly, the event takes on the scale of a revolt demanding more rights for the Kurds. Against his will, Mesto becomes a symbol of the Kurdish rebels' fight against the Syrian regime.
Writer and Director: Mohammed Shaikhow
Production: Les Films d'ici & Iota Production in co-production with mîtosfilm
Supported by:
CNC - Aide aux Cinémas du Monde
Cinemed (Industry)
Göteborg Development Fund
Doha Film Institute (Production Grant)
