Sajid Nasiri was just 14 when his mother bade him to leave home for his own safety. She rightfully feared that the same Taliban fighters who had murdered his father would return to conscript or murder her son. He became one of thousands of unaccompanied children seeking refuge in Europe, embarking on a dangerous and lengthy journey many refugees call “the game.” At age 15, he encountered two documentarians while crossing into Greece illegally, and they teamed up to help document his journey. With footage and communications taken from Sajid’s cell phone over two years and a retrospective interview taken after his eventual asylum was granted, The Mind Game seeks to explore the terrifying reality of Europe’s refugee crisis.
The Mind Game does a lot of leg work. Not only is the physical and legal reality of the plight of refugees explored at length, but the ideals and legal realities of universal rights of children and the psychological effects of such a journey are given plenty of screentime. Because the film only follows Sajid, it is a bit narrow in scope, but The Mind Game does an outstanding job documenting and sharing Sajid’s unique experience. There are almost as many paths to Europe as there are refugees, so those seeking information on refugee experiences should be led to multiple titles.
This award-winning documentary combines sleek style with a fantastic story that needs to be told, giving the documentary fan a perfect movie night title to watch with a bowl of popcorn. Professors teaching or studying the long-running conflict in Afghanistan would find The Mind Game an excellent resource for learning about those who have fled. Consider screening Sajid’s story alongside titles about PTSD, Immigration, and Afghanistan. Highly Recommended.
Where does this title belong on public library shelves?
The Mind Game should be housed in several sections of a public library, reflecting its wide-ranging themes. It would be well-suited for the Psychology section, given the film’s deep dive into the psychological effects of Sajid’s journey as a refugee, as well as the broader trauma experienced by unaccompanied minors and displaced individuals. The film also touches on the War section, as it documents the impact of ongoing conflict, particularly in Afghanistan, on families and children, shedding light on the devastating consequences of war and its effect on refugees. Additionally, the documentary fits neatly in the Immigration section, as it tells the story of a young boy’s escape from war and his subsequent journey to Europe, covering the hardships faced by refugees, the immigration process, and the search for asylum in a foreign land. Given the film’s exploration of universal children’s rights and migration, it may also be appropriate for broader Human Rights or Global Studies collections.
What type of campus programming can use this title?
The Mind Game is an excellent resource for campus programming, particularly in film series and educational discussions. A film event focused on Immigration or Refugee Experiences would benefit from screening this documentary, as it offers a first-hand look at the harrowing journey of a refugee, providing a personal perspective on the broader issue of global migration. For departments or courses related to Child Psychology, this film would be an impactful way to discuss the psychological and emotional toll on children who face displacement, trauma, and separation from their families. It would also fit into a Law or Human Rights series, particularly those focusing on asylum laws, refugee rights, and the legal frameworks surrounding the protection of children. Additionally, the documentary could be used in Afghanistan Studies, offering insights into the ongoing conflict and its effects on individuals seeking refuge. Overall, it would be a powerful tool for educating students and faculty on the intersection of migration, child welfare, and international conflict, encouraging discussions on policy, trauma, and the human side of geopolitical crises.