Behind the Numbers

• 5:30 PM: Walking dinner and talks from Jean-Nicolas Beuze, Jouman Fattal and Hassina Bahar
• 7:15 PM: Film screening ‘Midnight Traveler’
• 8:45 PM: Virtual Q&A with filmmaker Hassan Fazili
• 9 PM onwards: Drinks 

For over a year, Hassan Fazili and Fatima Hossani have tried in vain to get political asylum for themselves and their two daughters. Now they get sent from Tajikistan back to their native country of Afghanistan, where Hassan has a bounty on his head for making a TV documentary about a renegade Taliban commander. This perilous situation prompts the family to brave the dangers of entering Europe illegally, and they document this journey with their cell phones.

Similar stories have been told, and still it remains essential to witness the effects of European migration policies from the perspective of people simply looking for a basic level of security. What’s more, the characteristics of this particular family take the film to a higher level. Both Hassan and Fatima are filmmakers, and their 11-year-old daughter Nargis, who steps in as the third camera operator, is clearly comfortable on either side of the lens. 

The family largely maintains a playful optimism in the face of perpetual uncertainty, deceit and hostility. It’s the strength of their bond that leaves a lasting impression. 

Jean-Nicolas Beuze has over 25 years of experience in human rights, peacekeeping, and child protection with the UN, working in the Arab world, Africa, and Canada. He recently joined UNHCR in Brussels as Representative for EU Affairs, Belgium, Luxembourg, Ireland and the Netherlands after serving as the Representative in Iraq and Yemen, focusing on humanitarian transitions and refugee inclusion.

Jouman Fattal is a Syrian-born actress, director and screenwriter who is dedicated to supporting UNHCR and amplifying our work. She has been a high-profile supporter since 2023. Renowned for her roles in the Dutch TV series De Zuidas and Anne+, which earned her several prestigious nominations, Jouman is also celebrated for her stage work. Her creativity shines through in her performances, where she uses her platform to advocate for marginalized communities, including refugees. Her commitment to highlighting underrepresented stories is evident in her diverse and impactful body of work.

Hassan Fazili is an award-winning artist who has developed theater plays, documentaries, short films, and several popular television series. His documentary, “Midnight Traveler” was screened at over 80 festivals, including Berlinale, Shefield, HotDocs, IDFA, Yamagata, and has won over 30 awards. He now resides in Los Angeles with his family, so he will be joining us virtually for the Q&A.

Hassina Bahar is the Partnerships Manager at UNHCR in the Netherlands, a role she has fulfilled for over three years now, after having worked for various museums in the past. Having fled Afghanistan with her family at the age of four, Hassina will share her personal journey with us.

By bike, tram (Van Baerlestraat stop) or car (Q-Park Byzantium parking). When you arrive at the IDFA Pavilion, we will welcome you at the reception on the ground floor.

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is a global organization dedicated to saving lives, protecting rights and building a better future for people forced to flee their homes because of conflict and persecution.  

We lead international action to protect refugees, forcibly displaced communities and stateless people. Today, UNHCR works in 137 countries. We provide life-saving assistance, including shelter, food, water and medical care for people forced to flee conflict and persecution, many of whom have nobody left to turn to. We defend their right to reach safety and help them find a place to call home so they can rebuild their lives. Long term, we work with countries to improve and monitor refugee and asylum laws and policies, ensuring human rights are upheld. In everything we do UNHCR considers refugees and those forced to flee as partners, putting those most affected at the centre of planning and decision-making.