Author/Director: Talal Derki
Producer: BASIS BERLIN Filmproduktion
Co-Producers: Ventana Film, Cinema Group Production, SWR, RBB, Arte, Impact Partners
World sales: Autlook
German distributor: Port au Prince Pictures
Studying the Koran instead of math’s, combat-training instead of football-training, military discipline instead of youthful rebellion – this constitutes the everyday life of Ayman (12) and Osama (13). Growing up in Syria, they are meant to become Islamic god warriors. At least that is what their father Abu Osama, leader of the Al-Nusra-rebels has in mind for them. It is his biggest dream to build up a caliphate.
Director Talal Derki returned to his home country Syria for his feature documentary OF FATHERS AND SONS – CHILDREN OF THE CALIPHATE. He pretends to be a sympathizer of the Salafists and earns the trust of a radical-Islamist family. For two years, he accompanies their everyday-life. In doing Talal Derki, he provides an emotional and unique insight into a usually hidden life.
In 2019, OF FATHERS AND SONS – CHILDREN OF THE CALIPHATE has been nominated for the Academy Award for the Best Documentary Feature and, most recently, was awarded with two German Film Prizes for Best Documentary Feature and Best Editing (Editor: Anne Fabini).
