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One in a Million

Play trailer Poster for One in a Million Oct 2026 1h 42m Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
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100% Tomatometer 24 Reviews Popcornmeter Fewer than 50 Ratings
Filmed over ten years, ONE IN A MILLION follows Israa from childhood to adulthood on an extraordinary journey from Syria to Germany -- and back again. We first meet her at age 11 as she and her family are preparing to cross the Aegean Sea, risking everything in search of safety and a better life in Europe. What unfolds is a deeply personal chronicle of war, exile and heartbreak, as Israa grows up navigating adolescence, identity and belonging far from the home she was forced to leave. As Israa settles into life in Germany, new freedoms collide with the stabilizing pull of Syrian traditions, testing bonds and reshaping her sense of self. Co-directed by Itab Azzam and Jack MacInnes, the film bears witness to the remarkable trust between filmmakers and family, following Israa and her loved ones across borders, cultures and shifting circumstances. An intimate and nuanced coming-of-age story, ONE IN A MILLION illuminates the complexities of the refugee experience while asking a universal question: what does it truly mean to call a place home?

Critics Reviews

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Alissa Wilkinson New York Times 3 days ago
Complex and perceptive, “One in a Million” never lets its subjects be stereotypes... The decade-long relationship between the subjects and filmmakers builds trust that allows each person both vulnerability and dignity on camera. Go to Full Review Namrata Joshi The New Indian Express May 14, 2026
One in a Million is a no-holds-barred celebration of human resilience and adaptability, of a girl and an entire community, amid the insurmountable bleakness of the times. Go to Full Review Sam Adams Slate Feb 2, 2026
Though Isra’a and Tarek’s relationship can be painful to witness, the movie’s complicated and unpredictable arc is a poignant reminder that life always has more in store. Go to Full Review Andrea Schmidt MovieJawn 3 days ago
The filmmakers do an excellent job of navigating the complexities of familial relationships, as well as the personal immigrant experience. Go to Full Review Todd Jorgenson Cinemalogue 3 days ago
This bittersweet look at cultural identity and family fragmentation is most powerful when depicting ordinary interactions. Go to Full Review Jared Mobarak Hey, Have You Seen ...? 3 days ago
8/10
It’s a crisis of identity that cannot be solved overnight and there’s no better proof then following their evolution together and, more crucially, as individuals. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Gale B @Francophile25 1 day ago heartbreaking and beautiful. See more Stephen C @dogfood23111 4 days ago Real footage in 01 hour, 42 minutes, and 00 seconds. See more Read all reviews
One in a Million

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Cast & Crew

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Itab Azzam

Director

Jack MacInnes

Director

Raney Aronson-Rath

Producer

Will Anderson

Producer

James Bluemel

Producer

Andrew Palmer

Producer
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One in a Million

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Movie Info

Synopsis Filmed over ten years, ONE IN A MILLION follows Israa from childhood to adulthood on an extraordinary journey from Syria to Germany -- and back again. We first meet her at age 11 as she and her family are preparing to cross the Aegean Sea, risking everything in search of safety and a better life in Europe. What unfolds is a deeply personal chronicle of war, exile and heartbreak, as Israa grows up navigating adolescence, identity and belonging far from the home she was forced to leave. As Israa settles into life in Germany, new freedoms collide with the stabilizing pull of Syrian traditions, testing bonds and reshaping her sense of self. Co-directed by Itab Azzam and Jack MacInnes, the film bears witness to the remarkable trust between filmmakers and family, following Israa and her loved ones across borders, cultures and shifting circumstances. An intimate and nuanced coming-of-age story, ONE IN A MILLION illuminates the complexities of the refugee experience while asking a universal question: what does it truly mean to call a place home?
Director
Itab Azzam, Jack MacInnes
Producer
Raney Aronson-Rath, Will Anderson, James Bluemel, Andrew Palmer
Distributor
Frontline Features
Production Co
PBS Distribution, Impact Partners, BBC Storyville, KEO FIlms, Frontline Features
Genre
Documentary
Original Language
Arabic
Release Date (Theaters)
Oct 21, 2026, Limited
Runtime
1h 42m
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