In 2007, Daro, a young Syrian woman studying Journalism at the University in Damascus, is in love with a Danish exchange student. When her family’s honor is in danger, Daro agrees to enter into a pro forma engagement to help the family. But the marriage is not pro forma and the wedding marks the beginning of a living hell for Daro. She is locked up, beaten, tortured and raped by her new husband. With the help of her Danish boyfriend, she manages to escape and they go to Denmark to start a new life. However, in 2011 when the civil war erupts in Syria, it becomes clear that Daro has suffered a trauma, and the war is now triggering it. She tries to run away from the pain by engaging herself in the unfolding refugee crisis in the Middle East and in Greece. But after more than 8 years she finally realizes that she needs to face her past in order for her to deal with her trauma.
This is a story about violence against women. But more importantly a story about the struggle to overcome the trauma and emotional pain that inevitably comes with the violence.
The World Health Organization estimates that worldwide 1 out of 3 women experience violence in their relationships – either physically and/or sexually. It’s an issue that unfortunately transcends culture and geography. And as such, this documentary highlights a very urgent and global challenge.
As a character-driven documentary, we are lucky that we have a extremely powerful main character in Daro. She has a strong willpower and vitality; she refuses to be victimized and let the trauma control her life. And the documentary is a testament to her battle to over come her past and find a new and positive path into the future.
Daro’s story is unique in more than one aspect. She is caught between two cultures. Between Northern Europe and the Middle East. But also between love and family. And not least the conflicting feelings towards her family – and especially her mother – who sacrificed Daro’s well- being to reestablish the family’s honor in the eyes of the local society. And Daro’s story gradually reveals a dark mechanism of mothers passing down their own trauma to their daughters. As the documentary unfolds we learn how traumas can be passed on from generation to generation.
The backdrop to Daro’s journey towards healing and redemption is a Europe and Middle East in turmoil as the civil war erupts in Syria and the refugee crisis unfolds. It’s almost like the chaos in Syria, in Lesbos and Lebanon is a mirror image of Daro’s mental state as she gradually spirals down in the darkness.
I think that this documentary is very important film that will make a big impact among viewers around the world. Many will be inspired by Daro’s journey and search to overcome the traumatic experiences from her past. I believe the film can be act as a comfort to the many people suffering from trauma and inspire everyone to deal with their inner and outer demons before they take control of your life.
