Communications director Melissa Fleming also called the movie Netflix swimmers, “a wake-up call” and a “very welcome step” for people to unite with refugees.
Although Yusra and Sara Mardini were forced to flee Syria’s civil war in 2015, the biopic, which Netflix released on Wednesday, makes it clear that they brought with them courage and humanity. as Yusra went on to compete in two Olympic Games.
“From a very young age, they became the heroes of millions, saving those in danger at sea,” explained Ms. Fleming at the screening, held at United Nations Headquarters in New York. . “And while they had to start from scratch, they achieved their dreams through perseverance and hard work.”
shared humanity
To illustrate the dignity, resilience and great potential of these two young women, swimmers give voice to all refugees.
“The film allows audiences to not only sympathize with those forced to relocate, but empathize with them – imagine where they are in their situation,” the UN official said at a preview screening earlier this month. this.
While the United Nations refugee agency, UNHCR and other parts of the Organization have worked for decades to protect the lives and livelihoods of those forced to flee war, violence and Ms. Fleming acknowledged that the task is becoming “increasingly challenging as displacement becomes more complex”.
A human lens
The true story begins with two teenage sisters, competitive swimmers, escaping the conflict in Syria.
It shows their perilous sea journey to Europe, when the engine on their boat stopped midway and the sisters jumped into the water with two others and swam for several hours, guiding the boat. The boat sank to safety, saving about 18 lives. people on board.
It continued to follow Yusra as she competed at the 2016 Rio Olympics. She will go on to compete at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and in 2017, at the age of 19, she became the country’s youngest Goodwill Ambassador UNHCR.
Who is a refugee?
Like many people around the world, the word ‘refugee’ meant nothing to Yusra – until she was forced to leave home.
“When I lived in Syria…no one taught me that,” she said
“This film will put on the table the discussion about what it is to be a refugee, what we want to change.”
Education systems must…teach the stories of migrants and refugees – UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador
UNHCR NY Director Ruven Menikdiwela said, the film is “a powerful reminder that while refugees are individuals fleeing conflict, war or persecution and in need of assistance, they also bring support.” following their incredible talents and diverse skills to the community that welcomes them”.
Changing perception
Before changing people’s perception of refugees, she stressed that first of all, it is important to understand them.
“Education systems have to change…more open, they have to teach the stories of migrants and refugees,” explains the UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador.
Yusra was confident that swimmers will help educate people about the potential and worth of all refugees, reminding that “we must treat everyone the same”.
Meanwhile, acclaimed Welsh-Egyptian director Sally El Hosaini hopes that the film will change “weary stereotypes about both refugees and young Arab women,” insisting that they only are ordinary people who “had to make unimaginable choices… in search of a safer, better life”.
Ruven Menikdiwela (UNHCR), Sally El Hosaini (Director and Screenwriter), Yusra Mardini (UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador), Matthias Schweighöfer (Actor) and Racheline Benveniste (Netflix), stand outside the UN ECOSOC Room to watch special pre-screening of the Netflix Movie “The Swimmers”.
Advocacy for refugees
Yusra’s incredible story is not just one in a million, but one in 103 million – the current number of people forcibly displaced globally.
While not everyone can swim the 100-meter butterfly at the Olympics, Yusra continues to use her talent and success to speak for refugees and influence attitudes.
“The Olympic Games have changed the way I think about being a refugee,” she said.
“I walked into the stadium in Rio and realized that I could inspire so many people. I realized that ‘refuge’ is just one word, and what you do with it is what matters most.”
‘This is just the beginning’
In addition to swimming, Yusra plans to continue as a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador; establish a charity fund for sports and education; continue her studies; and perhaps, into acting.
Despite being noticed in Hollywood, the young supporter has not lost her appeal.
“There is still a lot to change for refugees,” she said. “It’s not over. This is just the beginning.”
The Swimmers 2022 Trailer Netflix YouTube | Biography Drama Sports Film
