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The RAI FILM Festival will take place in Bristol (UK) from 11 to 15 June 2025, and online (available worldwide) from 16 June – 16 July, including the online film conference from 1 to 4 July.

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Boya Boya (Shine Shine)

Directed by Karen Boswall, Ruba Al Akash

2014 – 18'

Synopsis

A portrait of Syrian refugee Mohammed, a 12-year-old shoe shine boy, ‘Boya Boya (Shine Shine)’ looks at the reality of the growing population of urban refugees from a child’s point of view. While supporting the women and children of his family, Mohammed still smiles and sings his way through his long working day cleaning shoes around the city of Irbid. With song and laughter, he touches the hearts of his clients, but for how long will he be able to keep finding and creating these moments of joy while carrying the burden of such responsibility and sadness?