This film’s unusual approach to the global refugee crisis invokes fairy tales such as “Sleeping Beauty” and “Rapunzel” to tell a story about consciousness and parenthood. Depicting Sweden with a dreamlike palette, the film delves into the uncertain daily lives of three refugee children—Daria, Karen, and Leyla—who have sunk into an unresponsive sleep state. This “resignation syndrome” affects a disproportionate number of refugee children in Sweden, triggered by a decidedly nonchildish existential despair. Evocative cinematography of the frozen Swedish landscape acts as a pictorial Greek chorus, visually deepening the compelling narratives of overburdened families hoping for permanent residency. The film conveys the high stakes faced by asylum seekers, homing in on the children’s sensitivity to trauma and hopelessness.  NK

Filmmaker Q&A following screening

Encore 1 – 2:00 pm in Cinema 1