Fadi, a Syrian barber who has set up a makeshift barbershop in a refugee camp in Southern Sweden, provides a neutral ear for the various ethnic and political groups residing in the camp. When Fadi develops a relationship with a new client, he is forced to question his own values, which are already so often challenged by life in Sweden. Within seconds, Fadi must make a potentially life-altering decision that may alleviate the pain from his past but may change his future forever.
Fadi (Othman Othman), a Syrian Barber in a refugee camp in Southern Sweden, becomes a listening ear for many immigrants who sit in his chair. He remains neutral as conversations become political regarding the hardships and challenges of life as they wait for updates on their migration cases. Flashbacks of violence and terror constantly haunt him as he remembers the masks and one tattoo but never the face. While about to shave the beard of his new client, he happens to look down noticing the exact arm tattoo of the masked man from his past. His heart races and the flashbacks return and in the blink of an eye, he will make a decision that will change his life forever.
I loved this short, it was deep, powerful, and intense. Writer and Director Melanie Aronson was inspired to make this film while working on a documentary in a remote part of Sweden. As she learned more about the complexities of those living in the camp she became fascinated. What really caught her eye was discovering a makeshift salon in a small kitchen in a cabin in the woods and this inspired her to share stories that she felt needed to be heard. This is one of those films I would love to see an expanded feature of because I can tell there are more layers waiting to be revealed.
“The Barber” recently premiered at the 2020 Winter Film Awards International Film Festival in New York City
