An excellent work that encourages mutual understanding between nations and races or contributes to cultural exchange.

*The Japan Foundation is an independent administrative institution which aims at more comprehensive and effective development of international cultural exchange programs and which undertakes many cultural exchange projects.

 The main character, Qadir, is a young man who fl ed to Greece from Afghanistan as a refugee following the Taliban invasion. Risking his life, he walked the mountains of Pakistan and Iran, and crossed the stormy waters of the Aegean Sea in a tiny boat. Today his livelihood is teaching computer science and receiving aid inside Greece. Qadir sets out to return to his native Afghanistan in search of news of his family. After nine years, the deep scars of destruction remain in his homeland, and the country’s political situation is as unstable as ever. By the end of his difficult journey, his efforts lead to a tearful reunion with his family living on a remote piece of land. However, he chooses to return to Greece rather than remain with his family. The documentary depicts the current state of Afghanistan and the toilsome lives of its refugees who have left behind their native countries.

 We are thrilled that we have won the Japan Foundation President’s Prize. This award is an honour for our company and for the Director, a distinction to what the film is aiming for: to understand the differences and similarities between two nations and how these totally different civilizations can have so much in common. Happiness, homesickness, and pain are felt by all people and feelings become the common universal language that can connect almost anyone, no matter their background. We feel more than happy for our work to have been honoured by this so important prize which constitutes an educational initiative that brings together film productions from all over the world.

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