Sky and Ground

Sky and Ground is a riveting 2018 feature-length documentary that vividly captures the reality and complexity of the refugee crisis. The film was directed by Talya Tibbon and Joshua Bennett and brought to life by actors Abdallah Sheikh Nabi Guevara, Heba Souleiman, and Leila Souleiman. The entire production of the movie operates more like a journey than a traditional narrative, documenting the struggles, resilience, and humanity of the individuals caught amidst the largest displacement crisis since World War II.

The film revolves around the courageous Nabi family from Syria who, fleeing from the tyranny of their war-ridden homeland, make the arduous journey towards a better life in Germany. The family's trek is filled with dangerous twists and turns as they seek to cross the Balkan route from Turkey to Germany. The film is headlined by charismatic teenager Nabi Sheikh, who emerges as the family's de facto leader to guide them through the challenging journey.

Heba and Leila Souliman give stellar performances, encapsulating the complexities and harsh realities of seeking refuge. Their performances portray the harrowing experiences of real refugees, whose tales are often condensed into statistical data or political debates. In Sky and Ground, these people are humanized and given a personal narrative.

While the film's subject matter is intense, there's a longing for freedom and a clinging to humanity that illuminates the powerful story. Throughout the entirety of the film, the Nabi family's resilience in the face of adversity shines through. Despite their circumstances, they continue to find moments of joy, solidarity, and love. These fragments of humanity serve as the film's core, stirring a profound emotional response from viewers.

The cinematography of Sky and Ground crucially captures the landscapes and people encountered during their journey. The shots are powerful, vibrant and portray the stark contrast between the hope and despair, the tranquil landscapes and the turmoil within them. Scenic shots of urban geography, sprawling fields, eerie forests, and tranquil oceans in the countries they pass, juxtaposes their terrifying circumstances, unpredictability, and the human rights violations they face, while imparting a sense of the enormous obstacle they have to transverse to seek asylum.

One of the greatest strengths of the film is its transparency. It opts not to sugarcoat the realities of the refugee crisis. It doesn’t shy away from showcasing the effects of war, the trauma, the risk and dangers of the journey, or the rampant xenophobia encountered. It blends their desperation for a safe life with the brutal truth that many are unwelcoming to their presence, presenting a raw, visceral insight into the realities of the world's current refugee crisis.

Sky and Ground is a timely film, exploring the intersection of survival, family loyalty, and the relentless pursuit of a safe haven from violence. The authenticity of the performances alongside the candid storytelling gives the narrative a distinct sincerity. The film challenges its viewers to step out of the confines of their comfort zones, to experience and empathize with the horrifying circumstances that millions of refugees are surviving every day.

It’s a stark and urgent call to the world to take notice of the refugee crisis and to see it through the lens of humanity, rather than as a distant, abstract political issue. Sky and Ground is ultimately a testament to human spirit and resilience, capturing an intimate and heart-wrenching portrait of a family trying to navigate a world of borders and restrictions to find a place they can call home.

This brilliant documentary offers a perspective that is often void in mainstream media. It focuses not on the masses of displaced individuals, but on one family's struggle – humanizing an issue that is far too often reduced to numbers and headlines. With powerful performances and a narrative that resonates far beyond the screen, Sky and Ground is a must-see for anyone in need of perspective and understanding about the human face of the refugee crisis.