“Special praise for the film”Don’t tell me you’re scared” (Samia) for exploring the vital issue of refugees with humanity and integrity. Thanks to the wonderful performance of those who contributed”. With this motivation the international jury of the prestigious Tribeca Film Festival which takes place in New York wanted to reward, with the special mention in the section Best International Narrative Competition the film directed by Yasemin Şamdereliin collaboration with Deka Mohamed Osmanshot in part at Taranto.
To highlight the recognition for “Don’t tell me you’re afraid” are Apulia Film Commission And Puglia region. Based on the international bestseller of the same name by Giuseppe Catozzella (published in Italy by Feltrinelli), the film brings the true story of the Somali athlete to the big screen Samia Yusuf Omarplayed by the actress Ilham Mohamed Osmanwho challenged the taboos of Islamic fundamentalism and managed to participate in the Olympics in Beijing 2008becoming a global symbol in the fight for women’s freedom and rights.
Samia comes last in the women’s 200 meters race, but her story goes beyond the sporting fact. Upon returning to Somalia, Samia becomes the target of reprisals from the country’s Islamic rulers because she ran without a veil, an unforgivable mortal sin. Risking her life, the girl decides to undertake the journey to reach Europe. Samia’s story tells the courage of a young woman challenging a brutal regime and fights for his freedom and his future.
“Don’t tell me you’re scared”, also filmed in Puglia in the city of Taranto and its surroundings, is produced by Indyca with Rai Cinema, Neue Bioskop Film, Tarantula, Bim Productionin co-production with Film Moment, Voo, Well TV And Shelter Prod, Film I Västin collaboration with The Piranesi Experience And Cinepost. Furthermore, the film was made with the support of Ministry of Culture MiCwith the contribution of the Apulia Film Fund of Apulia Film Commission And Puglia region based on resources from the POR Puglia FESR-FSE 2014/2020, Film Commission Turin Piedmont, Eurimage – Council of Europe And Creative Europe Media Programme.
