We call them refugees, and we sympathize over their plights. However, it’s easy to forget this large group is comprised of individuals trying to survive in a land that’s not their home. Zamarin Wahdat’s short film, Bambirak, is the story of a single father, Faruk (Kailas Mahadevan), and his daughter Kati (Lara Cengiz), who are starting life fresh in Germany after fleeing from Afghanistan.
Faruk begins each day delivering packages in his van, only to discover Kati has been hiding in the back. Before he can get upset, she begs her father to take her along because she doesn’t want to be home alone. Faruk begrudgingly agrees, and Kati proves to be a valuable helper. All goes well until they enter a flower shop and an owner who’s not happy about Germany’s refugee situation.
“Before he can get upset, she begs her father to take her along…”
Bambirak is a sweet story of a father and daughter who only have one another in life. Faruk is grateful to be in Germany and works hard to keep his head down and play by the rules. However, Kati’s world opens up when made aware of her “other” status in a racially motivated incident involving other children.
Writer/director Zamarin Wahdat captures the story beautifully and clearly. Her use of film stock and handheld cameras grounds Faruk and Kati’s adventure delivering packages. The story never feels staged or scripted and uses sweet, simple moments to drive home the love between daughter and father and the betrayal at the end when Kati’s integrity is challenged.
"…uses sweet, simple moments to drive home the love between daughter and father..."
