Yemeni director Saleh Al-Arousi has announced the completion of filming his new drama titled "Running into the Unknown," shot in the city of Marib, northeastern Yemen.

According to Al-Arousi, the film tells the story of a young Yemeni man with exceptional marathon running abilities who, despite his passion for the sport, finds no opportunities to develop his talent or compete internationally. In search of a chance to fulfill his dreams, he decides to migrate, embracing the uncertainty of the unknown.

Capturing Reality

The idea for the film emerged from the director’s exploration of the struggles faced by young people who feel compelled to migrate to Europe. Al-Arousi highlighted the immense hardships and dangers they encounter on their journey, including threats from traffickers, security forces, and military personnel at border areas, particularly in Belarus and neighboring countries.

He noted that research into the experiences of these young migrants revealed painful stories, with many fleeing Yemen due to dire living conditions exacerbated by the ongoing war. This conflict has disrupted opportunities, especially for creative individuals, forcing them to seek perilous routes toward a better future.

Al-Arousi recounted numerous tragic cases of individuals, including doctors, athletes, journalists, and teachers, who have perished while attempting to reach Europe, whether through drowning, starvation, or abuse.

From this backdrop of suffering, Al-Arousi decided to execute the film’s concept, collaborating with specialists and survivors to create a dramatic narrative that reflects these realities.

Challenges Faced

In an interview with "Barran Press," Al-Arousi discussed various challenges encountered during the film's production, which he believes reflect the broader issues facing the Yemeni drama industry. These include a lack of experienced writers to refine the script professionally and the absence of dedicated academies for screenwriting and film production.

He emphasized that strong narratives are often found in powerful nations, and the current circumstances in Yemen do not encourage sustained dramatic production.

Despite these obstacles, the film's team, composed of both technical staff and actors, worked collaboratively to bring the project to life. Notable contributors included executive director Nasar Al-Daghshi, cinematographer Taha Al-Qutaybi, and lead actor Amr Al-Razqi, along with several others.

Positive Reactions

Responses to the film have been positive, with early screenings for Yemeni directors and artists eliciting admiration and emotional connections. Some viewers reported that the film reminded them of individuals who lost their lives during their journeys to Europe.

Concluding his remarks, Al-Arousi stressed the need for filmmakers to harness their capabilities to produce high-quality drama, calling for support from both official entities and civil society organizations.