Sunflower Seeds (2013)

• 84%
• 2013
• Documentary
• Antonis Tolakis

A group of children survivng on the streets of Athens. Among them is Sayid, a twelve-year old boy, who works all day selling sunflower seeds in the city's suburban parks. His existence borders on absolute poverty, as he prowls for food in philanthropic organizations. His daily routine in the chaotic capitol of Greece is nothing but a struggle for survival. At the same time, however, he manages to find and enjoy the freedom the city streets can offer. Sayid, along with his friends who are all immigrants from Afghanistan, escape their desperation by clinging onto their hopes. With them, he plays innocent childhood games and dreams of a better future. He wants to leave for Northern Europe, to go to school, and to have a decent job when he grows up. But how fast does a child grow? Sayid is trapped in Greece, a country plagued by a financial crisis, increasing unemployment, rampant xenophobia, and racist violence. Sayid states clearly, 'I've been here about two years, and it feels like twenty have passed.