We Dare to Dream

We Dare to Dream is the story of refugee athletes from Iran, Syria, South Sudan and Cameroon who swim, run and fight their way to opportunity and safety in host nations across the world.

Spanning a breadth of backgrounds, personal stories and Olympic sports, the film reveals their lives and hopes as they train to compete on the world stage, showing the fire and the drive of young people forced to leave their families, homes and countries of birth to build new lives out of nothing.
Directed by the Academy Award Nominated Director of For Sama, We Dare to Dream is a tale of resilience and inspiration, hardship and loss, hope and home.

Culminating in their competition at the summer Olympics, their compatriots back home and their new communities in refugee camps watch as these determined young athletes fight for their place in the world. This is their story of heart in the face of adversity, and most of all, hope for a better life.

As part of Refugee Week 2025 (16-22 June), Leeds International Film Festival have partnered with RETAS (Refugee Education Training Advice Service) and LASSN (Leeds Asylum Seekers' Support Network) to bring two community focused film events to Leeds with added conversation, food and partnerships.