One in a Million": A Journey of Resilience and Identity in the Face of Conflict
BBC Storyville is proud to announce the selection of the documentary "One in a Million" for the World Cinema Documentary Competition at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2026. This film, a collaboration between BBC Storyville and FRONTLINE FEATURES, chronicles Israa's remarkable journey from Syria to Germany and back, capturing the challenges faced by her and her family as they navigate war, exile, and cultural differences in a foreign land.
The filmmakers, Itab Azzam and Jack MacInnes, first encountered Israa, an 11-year-old Syrian girl, and her father, Tarek, in Turkey in 2015. The family had fled Aleppo and embarked on a perilous journey through Eastern Europe before finding refuge in Germany amidst the refugee crisis. Over the course of a decade, the filmmakers documented Israa's life as she grappled with the complexities of integration and identity, culminating in a poignant return to Aleppo following the fall of the Assad regime in 2025.
Fiona Campbell, the BBC's Controller of Youth Audiences and Interim Director of Unscripted, commends the film's selection for Sundance 2026, emphasizing the importance of international storytelling. The film offers a unique perspective on the refugee experience, shedding light on the challenges faced by individuals like Israa as they navigate displacement and cultural clashes.
Raney Aronson-Rath, Editor-in-Chief and Executive Producer at FRONTLINE FEATURES, expresses gratitude for the opportunity to premiere "One in a Million" at the Sundance Film Festival, highlighting the filmmakers' dedication to capturing Israa's story over a decade. The film provides viewers with a rare glimpse into the realities of growing up as a refugee, offering a poignant exploration of identity and belonging.
Will Anderson, Creative Director at KEO FILMS, reflects on the decade-long journey of creating "One in a Million," acknowledging the generosity of Israa and her family in sharing their lives with the filmmakers. The collaboration between BBC Storyville, KEO Films, and FRONTLINE FEATURES has resulted in a powerful and ambitious project that delves into the personal struggles and triumphs of individuals affected by conflict and displacement.
"One in a Million" (1x90') is a co-production between BBC Storyville and FRONTLINE FEATURES for BBC Four and BBC iPlayer. The film, directed by Itab Azzam and Jack MacInnes, is a testament to the resilience and courage of individuals like Israa, whose stories deserve to be heard and shared with audiences around the world.