Indie Rights picks up the immigrant drama “The Refugee” for the AFM launch

Indie Rights has acquired worldwide distribution rights to Johnny Greenlaw’s The Refugee, a drama about immigration and the American dream. The company plans to introduce the film to buyers at the upcoming American Film Market (AFM).

Starring Demián Castro, Dina Najjar, Alanis Santiago, Chuck Fusca, Rasheda Isaac, Erin Cline, Kelly Karavites, Andy Gion and Bryan Bachman, “The Refugee” tells the story of Eva, an Iraqi refugee in search of the US soldier who saved her life while she discovered her own path in America. The narrative follows Eva’s journey from war-torn Iraq to Florida, where she pursues her artistic ambitions and prepares for her citizenship exam.

The film begins during the Iraq War, when Eva’s family falls victim to violence just as the Allies arrive. A US soldier named Frank King rescues young Eva and points her on a path that leads to asylum in the United States. Years later, Eva decides to pursue a career in art while searching for King, the man who saved her.

Greenlaw, who previously directed “Mommy’s Box,” helmed the project from his own script. Alexandra Balda, Michael W. Gray, Stephen Krahel and Joseph O’Connor produced the film, with Kelly Karavites serving as executive producer.

“The Refugee” has secured several awards at festivals. It won Best Film and Most Inspiring Film at the 2024 Manhattan Film Festival. The film also won the Grand Jury Award for Best Film at the 2024 Orlando International Film Festival. Dina Najjar’s performance as Eva earned her the Best Actress award at the 2024 Golden Door International Film Festival.