ComingSoon is unveiling an exclusive trailer for Silent Trees, an upcoming documentary that follows the poignant journey of a Kurdish refugee family attempting to rebuild their lives in Poland after enduring an arduous escape. The film offers an intimate look at the realities faced by refugees and will have its U.S. premiere at the 2025 Slamdance Film Festival.
Directed and written by Agnieszka Zwiefka, Silent Trees is produced by Heino Deckert, Zofia Kujawska, and Zwiefka herself, with Hanka Kastelicová serving as an executive producer. The film is a project of Chilli Productions.
The documentary tells the story of Runa, a 16-year-old Kurdish girl who, along with her family, is stranded in a remote forest on the Belarusian-Polish border. Denied entry into both countries, Runa is forced to mature quickly, assuming the role of caregiver for her younger brothers and supporting her father after the death of her pregnant mother due to the harsh conditions. Eventually relocated to a Polish refugee camp, the family struggles with the trauma of their loss while navigating the challenges of life in an unfamiliar country.
The film explores themes of survival, trauma, and resilience, highlighting Runa’s emotional journey as she finds solace in drawing. These sketches are transformed into animated sequences, illustrating her dreams and nightmares. Amidst their struggle to survive, Runa’s father faces numerous obstacles, including language barriers, as he desperately searches for work to support his family.
Silent Trees is a powerful coming-of-age story, capturing one family’s fight for a better future amidst the broader context of the ongoing global refugee crisis. It shines a stark light on the horrors refugees face daily while offering a message of perseverance and hope.
