The Dream Betrayed Me

Qamichli, Syria, 2004. Mesto, a 17-year-old boy, has but one dream—to join his city’s football club. Despite his talent, he is turned down because, as a Kurd, he doesn’t have Syrian papers. During a match against the neighbouring city, the club’s coach calls on him to replace a wounded player. Ten minutes into the game, Mesto scores an unexpected goal, but his moment of glory is ruined when the stands start to riot, leaving several dead. The incident escalates quickly into a full-scale uprising demanding more rights for the Kurds. Reluctantly, Mesto is going to become a symbol for the Kurdish rebels against the Syrian regime.