Twelve-year-old Zaby and his mother flee Taliban-controlled Afghanistan on a perilous journey toward the promise of safety, testing control, sacrifice, and survival.
A restrained, character-driven feature inspired by real refugee journeys.Set largely inside a truck crossing borders, the film explores a mother’s impossible choices and a boy forced into manhood too soon.Currently in development and seeking European co-production partners.
A 16-minute short film shot in Tajikistan with Afghan refugees, created to explore the tone, visual language, and emotional core of the feature.
Download project materials for more details on story, vision, and production.
Written & Directed by Tarique Qayumi
TIFF alumnus · Telefilm-supported filmmaker · Afghan-Canadian storyteller
Currently seeking European co-production partners toward production financing.