Aimée & Samir 2025
festivals
2026
| Hot Docs World Premiere | Toronto, Canada |
press
synopsis
Aimée & Samir is a short documentary in which cinematic images and drawings merge, set against the backdrop of a forgotten humanitarian crisis. The Greek island Lesbos, known as a tourist destination, lies on the front line of Europe’s strict refugee policy. Hundreds of displaced people have arrived on its shores in fragile, overcrowded boats; dozens have drowned. Internationally acclaimed graphic novelist Aimée de Jong travels to Lesbos in search of inspiration for her new book. Through her drawings and the story of the fictional Syrian boy Samir, Aimée reveals a reality that is largely kept out of public view.
credits
| Scenario & director | Catherine van Campen |
| Camera | Jefrim Rothuizen |
| Sound | Mark Wessner |
| Editing | Noa Zevenbergen |
| Research & fixer | Irene Hollebrandse |
| Producer | Elbe Stevens |
| Producer | Floor Krooi |
| Line producer | Natasja Möhrs |
| Production assistant | Manna Duk |
| Sound design & mix | Rob Dul |
| Composer | Frans Rond |
| Composer | Andre Heuvelman |
| Color grading | Barend Onneweer |
| Post production supervisor | Rob Maas |
| Creative consultant | Joost Seelen |
| Subtitles | Harry Pallemans |
| Graphic design | Susanne Keilhack |
| Commissioning editor NTR | Diana Tromp |
| Editor NTR | Dobber Bolhuis |
| Production coordinator NTR | Astrid Prickaerts |
| Producer NTR | Catherine Kooij |
This film was made with the support of Fonds21 and Jaap Harten Fonds.
watch
| Trailer: | Watch the trailer here. |
