A new documentary titled One in a Million captures the remarkable 10-year journey of a Syrian refugee, Israa, from her childhood in Turkey to adulthood in Germany.
Filmmakers Jack MacInnes and Itab Azzam first met Israa in 2015, when she was just 11 years old and selling cigarettes alongside her father on a street in Turkey. Her family had escaped the conflict in Aleppo and travelled through eight countries before eventually settling in Germany.
The filmmakers stayed alongside the family throughout their journey, documenting their struggles, changing circumstances and efforts to adjust to a new life.
The film follows Israa through adolescence, marriage and motherhood, while highlighting the challenges of balancing personal freedom with traditional family expectations. Following the 2024 overthrow of Bashar al-Assad, Israa also returned to Syria with her husband.
MacInnes said the documentary aims to help audiences understand the realities and complexities of being a refugee beyond political debates.
One in a Million premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January, where it received the Audience Award. The documentary is set to release in UK cinemas on Friday, November 6.
