Zaatari Djinn is a poignant documentary film directed by Catherine van Campen, released in 2016. The film offers an intimate portrayal of life in Jordan's Zaatari refugee camp, focusing on four Syrian children as they navigate the challenges of their new reality.
Set in the sprawling Zaatari camp, which has grown into a makeshift city of 80,000 inhabitants, the documentary explores how children cope with the harsh conditions of refugee life. Van Campen's observational and poetic style brings to life the stories of Maryam, Hammoudi, Ferras, and Fatma, each dealing with their circumstances in unique ways.
The film weaves together scenes of daily life with the children's personal narratives:
Maryam finds solace in soccer practice and theater rehearsals
Hammoudi appears somewhat oblivious to the tragic situation in his Syrian hometown
Ferras, more somber, works to support himself
Fatma, described as rebellious, forms an unlikely friendship with a rooster
A recurring theme in the film is the presence of djinns - supernatural beings from Middle Eastern folklore that can be either benevolent or malevolent. This element adds a layer of mysticism to the children's stories, reflecting the blend of reality and imagination in their lives.
Critics have praised "Zaatari Djinn" for its artistic merit and emotional depth:
Vrij Nederland hailed it as "an ode to life by a great director," emphasizing its artistic power
NRC awarded it 3 stars, noting its "surrealistic, fairy-tale atmosphere" and recommending it for big-screen viewing
Het Parool gave it 4 stars, highlighting its "moving and sometimes heartbreaking moments"
The film premiered at IDFA (International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam) in 2016, marking its debut on the international stage. Through its intimate portrayal of these four children, "Zaatari Djinn" offers a unique perspective on the Syrian refugee crisis, focusing on resilience and the power of imagination in the face of adversity.
Regie: Catherine van Campen
Research/Fixer: Ruth Vandewalle
Camera: Jean Counet
Additioneel camera: Jefrim Rothuizen
Geluid: Mark Wessner
Montage: Albert Markus
Sounddesign: Marc Lizier
Componist: Alex Simu
Producenten: Iris Lammertsma en Boudewijn Koole | Witfilm
Uitvoerend producenten: Nazima Mintjes en Nienke Rispens
Distributeur: Cinema Delicatessen i.s.m. Herrie Film & TV
(C) 2016 WITFILM
