The documentary One in a Million follows a Syrian refugee from childhood into adulthood. Filmmakers Jack MacInnes and Itab Azzam first met Israa in Türkiye in 2015, after her family fled the conflict in Syria.
A journey across borders
According to Reuters reporting carried by The Express Tribune, the filmmakers accompanied Israa and her family as they travelled across several countries before settling in Germany. What began as coverage of a journey developed into a long-term documentary project.
Growing up in a new country
The film follows Israa through adolescence, marriage and motherhood. It explores family relationships, identity and the pressures that can emerge when people rebuild their lives in a different society.
Returning to Syria
The documentary also reportedly shows Israa visiting Syria after the fall of Bashar al-Assad in 2024. The return provides a later chapter in a story shaped by displacement and changing circumstances.
Why the story matters
Rather than discussing migration only through political debates, the film focuses on the everyday experiences of one family over time. The long filming period allows viewers to see how decisions and relationships evolve.
Source: The Express Tribune report based on Reuters interviews.
