Opponent (Motståndaren)

The main character, Iman, has to flee from Iran and moves into a refugee center in northern Sweden. In his home country, he was a wrestler, so he decides to join the local sports club, hoping it will increase his chances for permanent legal residence in Sweden. By doing so, he breaks a promise made to his wife, to never practice wrestling again. But the reason isn’t simple: he has a secret, which made him leave Iran. Although everyday problems connected with the social condition are still Iman’s main concern, a fight with his own identity resounds louder and louder.

“Opponent” uses the refugee crisis as a background to tell a story about masculinity and family values.

🏆 Berlin International Film Festival 2023 – Amnesty International Film Prize, Nominee
🏆 Berlin International Film Festival 2023 – C.I.C.A.E. Award, Nominee
🏆 Berlin International Film Festival 2023 – FIPRESCI Prize, Nominee
🏆 Berlin International Film Festival 2023 – Label Europa Cinemas, Nominee
🏆 Berlin International Film Festival 2023 – Peace Film Award, Nominee
🏆 Berlin International Film Festival 2023 – Prize of the Ecumenical Jury, Nominee

Support provided by the Embassy of the Kingdom of Sweden in Poland