Imagine being forced to leave everything behind, fleeing for your life, only to find that your new home isn’t as welcoming as you’d hoped. This is the stark reality for Afghan refugees, and it’s the heart-wrenching story told in the Oscar-qualifying documentary Far From Home. But here’s where it gets controversial: the film doesn’t just highlight their struggle—it also shines a spotlight on India’s shifting political landscape, where policies like the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) exclude Muslim refugees from a path to citizenship. And this is the part most people miss: Afghan refugees, with no country to return to, are left in a perilous limbo.
Now, the documentary has gained a powerful ally in its Oscar campaign: revered Indian actor Naseeruddin Shah (Monsoon Wedding), who joins as executive producer. This marks Shah’s first venture into documentary filmmaking in this capacity, and his involvement adds significant weight to the project. “I’ve always believed the most important function of cinema is to act as a record of its times,” Shah remarked. “Since it’s the only medium that can do that, I consider documentaries to be of more value for posterity than features.”
The film centers on Samira Faizi, who fled to India in 2021 after the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan. Her story is both personal and universal, illustrating the challenges refugees face in a country whose political environment has grown increasingly hostile. Here’s the bold truth: refugee rights are a contentious issue in India, and many are too afraid to speak out. Yet Samira’s courage in sharing her story is nothing short of inspiring. “I am proud of Samira for her bravery in telling her story and bringing awareness across the world about the situation of Afghan refugees in India,” said Kumar, a former journalist.
The documentary also challenges our global perspective on refugees. While we often picture them on boats heading to Europe or at the US-Mexico border, we rarely discuss those stranded in regions with no framework to integrate them. This blind spot is exactly what Far From Home aims to address.
Produced by Emmy-winning filmmaker Brent E. Huffman and funded by the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting, the project has already made waves. It was a Japan Prize finalist and a runner-up for best short documentary at the Chicago South Asian Film Festival. The film has also screened at prestigious events like the Oscar-qualifying American Documentary and Animation Film Festival and the Tasveer Film Festival.
As Far From Home continues its awards campaign with screenings across the U.S., it raises a thought-provoking question: How can we, as a global community, better support refugees who are trapped in political and social limbo? Share your thoughts in the comments—this is a conversation we can’t afford to ignore.
