When I Saw You

Jordan, 1967. The world is alive with change: brimming with reawakened energy, new styles, music and an infectious sense of hope. In Jordan, a different kind of change is underway as tens of thousands of refugees pour across the border from Palestine. Having been separated from his father in the chaos of war, Tarek, 11, and his mother Ghaydaa, are amongst this latest wave of refugees. Placed in “temporary” refugee camps made up of tents and prefab houses until they would be able to return, they wait, like the generation before them who arrived in 1948. With difficulties adjusting to life in Harir camp and a longing to be reunited with his father, Tarek searches a way out, and discovers a new hope emerging with the times. Eventually his free spirit and curious nature lead him to a group of people on a journey that will change their lives. Starring Mahmoud Asfa, Ruba Blal, and Saleh Bakri

Festivals & awards

NETPAC Award Berlinale 2013: Best Asian Film
Arab Films Competition Special Mention at the 2012 Cairo International Film Festival
Don Quixote Award at the 2012 Carthage Film Festival
Best Film from the Arab World at the Abu Dhabi Film Festival
Official Selection of the 2012 International Film Festival Kerala
2012 São Paulo International Film Festival
2012 Toronto International Film Festival
Palestine's official submission to the Best Foreign Language Film of the 85th Academy Awards
Mahmoud Asfa nominated for Young Artists Awards, Hollywood
Istanbul Filmfestival
Seattle Filmfestival
Opening of Birds Eye View in the UK

Press voices