Refugee-Inspired Drama 'The Green Eyes' Debuts at Locarno to Spark Empathy
The Locarno Film Festival opened with the world premiere of 'The Green Eyes', a refugee adventure drama that explores resignation syndrome through a child's eyes.
At the opening night of the 79th Locarno Film Festival, the new feature 'Les Yeux Verts' premiered on the iconic Piazza Grande after the ceremony honoring Isabella Rossellini. Written and directed by Fanny Liatard and Jérémy Trouilh, the story follows 11-year-old Chaya in coastal France as she attempts to rescue her brother Nour, who has entered a deep, dream-like sleep triggered by the threat of deportation. Inspired by real cases of resignation syndrome, the film blends drama with adventure, inviting viewers into a child's imaginative struggle against a chaotic world.
The multinational co-production stars Douae Butarbuch M’Zaouki, Sayyid El Alami, Anamaria Vartolomei and others, with cinematography by Victor Seguin. The creators hope the narrative will rekindle solidarity and empathy for refugees, emphasizing resilience and collective support. Filmcoopi Zürich handles Swiss distribution while Kinology manages international sales.
Why it matters
The film uses a child's perspective to humanize refugee experiences and raise awareness of resignation syndrome.
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