Filmmaker highlights refugee struggles, criticizes media portrayal at Seoul festival

Syrian director Hassan Kattan powerfully conveyed the harsh reality of displacement at the 10th Refugee Film Festival in Seoul, stating, "No one wants to become a refugee. It is never a choice." Kattan, who has been sharing refugee stories through film in South Korea since 2015, urged the audience to empathize with the lived experiences of those forced to flee their homes.

During a media talk session following a screening at Ewha Womans University, Kattan discussed his short documentary 'Allies in Exile.' The film intimately captures the uncertainty and emotional turmoil faced by himself and fellow Syrian filmmaker Fadi Al Halabi as they navigate the refugee application process while living in a UK accommodation center. Kattan explained that the persistent question of "Why did you choose to become a refugee?" haunted him, reinforcing that it was a path he never desired or dreamed of.

He also addressed the media's often detached portrayal of refugees, lamenting that they are frequently reduced to numbers, charts, statistics, and political debates. "What I saw were brave people with talents, loving families, and who were hoping for a chance," Kattan stated, contrasting this with the impersonal reporting he has observed. He shared that the filmmaking process, though challenging, provided a crucial outlet for processing emotions like fear, loss, and anger, adding, "We make films to tell stories, but sometimes we make films to survive."

The film was supported by the Displacement Film Fund (DFF), an initiative established in 2025 by the Hubert Bals Fund under the International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR). DFF aims to assist filmmakers displaced by conflict and persecution. Uniqlo, through its parent company Fast Retailing Group, has partnered with DFF, donating 100,000 euros annually. Tadashi Yanai, the group's senior executive officer, noted that while Uniqlo has supported refugees for over 20 years through various means, investing in film production represents a novel approach to highlighting the diverse talents and human stories within the refugee community.