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What does it mean to feel at home when you had to leave your homeland just to survive? And how difficult is it to build an identity between two cultures without giving up your roots? These are the questions explored in “One in a Million”, the documentary by Itab Azzam and Jack Macinnes, presented in the Gex Doc section at #Giffoni56.
The film follows Israa, whom audiences first meet as an eleven-year-old girl. Together with her family, she flees Syria, crosses the Aegean Sea in search of the hope of a safer future in Europe, and grows up in Germany, where her pursuit of freedom is constantly shaped by the weight of tradition, nostalgia, and the lasting scars of war. The documentary traces her journey from childhood into adulthood, portraying not only the hardship of exile but also the universal coming-of-age story of a young woman searching for her place in the world.
Following the screening, Sala Galileo became a space for genuine and meaningful discussion. Many reflected on the challenges faced by young people growing up between two cultures, highlighting how integration is often hindered by societies that still struggle to embrace diversity. “Anyone arriving in a new country has to adapt to completely different traditions, religion, language, customs, and culture. Finding a balance is never easy”, participants observed during the discussion. The conversation soon broadened to today’s world, emphasizing that real change requires openness and the willingness to build bridges. “Times are changing, culture is evolving, and we need the tools to grow together. Instead, we live in a society that often takes a very rigid approach”, some audience members commented, stressing that dialogue remains the only way to overcome fear and prejudice. Among the most moving contributions was that of Ashu, from Palermo, who shared his own experience as a former refugee. Inspired by the film, he reflected on a deeply personal memory: “I really loved this documentary because it helped me see things from my parents’ perspective. As a child, I had never thought about what they went through. Today, I simply want to thank them”. His words gave voice to the experience of so many people who, every day, are called upon to build a bridge between their past and their future. Ultimately, the documentary leaves audiences with a powerful message: what endures beyond war, displacement, and distance is genuine love and human connection. When everything else seems to fall apart, it is meaningful relationships that keep people together. It is no coincidence that Israa chooses to return to her homeland for love, reminding us that belonging is never defined by a place alone, but by the people who make us feel at home.