The Return: Life After ISIS
Official poster
Directed byAlba Sotorra
Produced by
  • Alba Sotorra
  • Vesna Cudic
  • Carles Torras
Cinematography
  • Gris Jordana
  • Lara Vilanova
  • Núria Roldos
Edited by
  • Xavi Carrasco
  • Michael Nollet
Music by
  • Mehmed Berazi
  • Josefina Rozenwasser
Production
companies
Distributed bySky Documentaries
Release dates
  • 17 March 2021 (2021-03-17) (SXSW)
  • 15 June 2021 (2021-06-15) (United Kingdom)
Running time
90 minutes
Countries
  • United Kingdom
  • Spain
LanguageEnglish

The Return: Life After ISIS is an 2021 British-Spanish documentary film directed and produced by Alba Sotorra. It follows Shamima Begum and Hoda Muthana as they leave ISIS and attempt to return to their countries.

It had its world premiere at South by Southwest on 17 March 2021. It was released in the United Kingdom on 15 June 2021, by Sky Documentaries.

Synopsis

Shamima Begum, Hoda Muthana, Kimberly Gwen Polman, among other women leave ISIS and attempt to return their home countries.

Production

In February 2021, it was announced Alba Sotorra had directed the film, with Sky Documentaries set to distribute in the United Kingdom.[1]

Release

The film had its world premiere at South by Southwest on 17 March 2021.[2] It also screened at the Hot Docs International Film Festival on 29 April 2021.[3] It was released in the United Kingdom on 15 June 2021.[4]

Reception

Variety said, "These stories are harrowing, but the manner in which they’re revealed is gently optimistic, a testament to the patience and efficacy of Sevinaz, the energetic activist who runs workshops that encourage the women to confront the past and find solidarity in one another."[5]

POV Magazine said, "speaks to generations affected by these conflicts and leaves us both informed and no less certain about what the just solution to the situation of these survivors should be."[6]

References

  1. ^ "Sky Documentaries boards Shamima Begum documentary The Return: Life After Isis". Advanced Television. Retrieved 17 April 2021.
  2. ^ Day-Ramos, Dino (February 10, 2021). "SXSW Film Festival Unveils Full Lineup; Charli XCX Quarantine Feature To Close Fest; Tom Petty Docu Set As Centerpiece". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 17 April 2021.
  3. ^ "The Return: Life After ISIS". Hot Docs International Film Festival. Retrieved 17 April 2021.
  4. ^ "What's coming soon to Sky and NOW in June 2021?". Vodzilla. 29 May 2021. Retrieved 25 June 2021.
  5. ^ Kiang, Jessica (27 March 2021). "'The Return: Life After ISIS' Review: Compassionate, Essential Glimpse Into the Aftermath of Radicalization". Variety. Retrieved 20 May 2021.
  6. ^ Gorber, Jason. "The Return: Life After ISIS Review - Or, the Fog of War". POV Magazine. Retrieved 20 May 2021.
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