“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 of the international jury of the prestigious Tribeca Film Festival 2024 in New York, Apulia Film Commission And Puglia region are proud to announce that the film “Don’t Tell Me You’re Scared” directed by Yasemin Şamdereliin collaboration with Deka Mohamed Osmanreceived the special mention in the section Best International Narrative Competition.
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 2008 Beijing Olympics, becoming a global symbol in the fight for freedom and women’s rights.
Samia finished last in the women’s 200m race, but the whole world cheered for her in a truly magical moment. 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 who challenges a brutal regime and fights for her freedom and her 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.
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