‘Flee’ Director Jonas Poher Rasmussen on Helping Refugees Share Their Stories

variety.com:

Leo Barraclough International Features EditorIn a new series, Variety catches up with the directors of the films shortlisted for the International Feature Film Oscar to discuss their road to the awards, what they’ve learned so far, and what’s taken them off guard.In Jonas Poher Rasmussen’s “Flee,” a former Afghan refugee grapples with his traumatic past in order to find his true self.

The film won the Grand Jury Prize at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival in the World Cinema – Documentary section, among numerous other accolades.

Rasmussen responded to Variety’s questions in writing.What does it mean to you to be shortlisted for the best international feature Oscar?It’s of course a huge honor.

I’ve worked on the film for seven to eight years, so to feel that the work we’ve done is being appreciated means the world, and then it’s just mind-blowing to see my name on that list among so many incredible filmmakers who have given me numerous indelible cinematic experiences in recent years.