Documentary filmmakers confront ethical dilemma after subject reveals domestic abuse

Filmmakers question their initial view of the father

The directors had followed Israa since she was eleven when her parents moved from Turkey to Germany. They initially portrayed her father Tarek as a heroic figure in the first part of the film. This perception changed after Israa revealed that her father had hit her at age fourteen. The disclosure shocked the married documentarians who felt their eyes were suddenly opened to a new reality. MacInnes stated during a Q&A at the SCAD Savannah Film Festival on Oct 29 that they questioned if they had been naive.

Mother takes charge after husband leaves refugee camp

Israa's mother Nisreen pleaded with the duo not to tell anyone about the violence inside the home. She wanted to handle the situation themselves rather than involve outside authorities immediately. MacInnes recalled that they were worried but found courage in Nisreen who acted to protect her children. Two years later she left Tarek and is now raising their four children alone in Germany. Israa is twenty one and has embraced her Muslim faith while wearing the hijab.

Family reunites after fall of Assad regime

The documentary captures the family visiting Syria following the fall of President Bashar al-Assad's regime in 2024. Israa reconciled with her father who admitted his abuse and built a new relationship as a grandfather. He now cares for his daughter and Mohammed's son while living alone in a refugee camp. Israa found love through her boyfriend Mohammed who helped her find freedom through religion. The filmmakers realized their own prejudices when seeing her dreams shift from university to finding a home.