The Lion At My Back: A Story of Identity, Friendship, and Resilience
Tonia Mishiali's film "The Lion At My Back" has been acquired for sales by The Yellow Affair. The movie follows the story of a teenage Senegalese asylum seeker who forms an unexpected bond with a Cypriot woman. Together, they challenge stereotypes and redefine themselves, exploring themes of love, family, and female solidarity. The film, shot in Cyprus, is in Greek and English.
The production of the film is a collaboration between Bark Like a Cat Films, Iris Productions, and Avaton Films. The cast includes Sokhna Diallo, Elena Kallinikou, Prokopis Agathocleous, and Herodotos Miltiadous. Mishiali co-wrote the script with Dianne Jones and Simona Nobile.
Funding for "The Lion At My Back" was provided by various organizations, including the Cyprus Deputy Ministry of Culture, Film Fund Luxembourg, Hellenic Film and Audiovisual Center, and Creative Europe Media. The film participated in several film festivals and forums, including Thessaloniki International Film Festival's Agora Crossroads and Connecting Cottbus Works in Progress.
Mishiali's previous film, "Pause," was well-received at Karlovy Vary's East of the West Competition in 2018. The director expressed her excitement about showcasing "The Lion At My Back" at KVIFF, highlighting the festival's significance in her filmmaking journey. The Yellow Affair's Alexandra Cruz praised the film's themes of hope, friendship, and female solidarity, noting its relevance in today's world.
In conclusion, "The Lion At My Back" is a compelling film that explores themes of identity, friendship, and resilience. Mishiali's storytelling and the cast's performances promise to deliver a powerful cinematic experience that resonates with audiences.