Noaz Deshe’s XOFTEX, a tale about two Palestinian-Syrian brothers, won Best Director at this year's Transylvania International Film Festival, which ran from the 13th to the 22nd of June.
 
XOFTEX tells the compelling story of Palestinian Syrian brothers, Nasser and Yassin, who are trapped in a Greek refugee camp as they await a decision on their asylum application. During this uncertain time, they engage in creative pursuits, making comedy sketches and dreaming of a future in Sweden, while Nasser grapples with feelings of entrapment as tensions escalate within the camp.
 
The film started off its festival tour with a world premiere in the presence of its cast and crew at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, where it sold out all of its screenings and received a Special Mention in the Crystal Globe Competition. It has since won a Silver Alexander at the Thessaloniki Film Festival as well.
 
Critics have lauded the film with praise, highlighting its unique narrative style and emotional depth. Damon Wise from Deadline describes it as “an unorthodox, often oblique, but emotionally powerful attempt to recreate onscreen the disorientation of the stateless mind.” Laurence Boyce of Screen Daily adds that the film “eschewed heavy realism and straight narrative,” offering a fresh perspective on refugee narratives.
 
Written, directed, shot, edited, scored, and produced by Deshe, this film marks his continued exploration of complex themes surrounding identity and displacement. The rest of the talented production team includes Andro Steinborn, Jordan Tappis, Beau Willimon, and co-producer Christophe Audeguis.
 
XOFTEX also features a diverse cast, led by first-time actor and rapper Abdulrahman Diab and actor-director Osama Hafiry, supported by a talented ensemble including Jalal Albaroudi, Hazem Saleh, and Lujain Mustafa.
 
Noaz Deshe is a talented film director, writer, and producer known for his powerful storytelling and visual style. Born in Romania and based in Berlin, his multicultural background influences his work, particularly in his acclaimed debut feature film, WHITE SHADOW, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2013.