Fri, Aug 15th, 7:30 PM @ TCL CHINESE 6 THEATRE || #6
By Juan Markos
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 7/30/2025 – From the Academy Award-winning Slick Films comes Largo, a poignant and heart-wrenching tale centered on the life of a young Syrian refugee navigating the complexities of resettlement in the UK. Written and directed by the talented duo of Salvatore Scarpa and Max Burgoyne-Moore, this film explores the stark realities faced by refugees through the eyes of a child.
The story follows Musa, portrayed by Zack Elsokari, a young boy who finds himself in the care of a UK foster mother, Grace, played by Tamsin Greig. Despite her attempts to provide warmth and support, Musa feels deeply alienated in a small British town, where the local community views him with suspicion and hostility, often treating him as an outsider. His longing for his true home and family in Syria intensifies as he grapples with the trauma of separation.
Musa’s hope to reconnect with his parents becomes a vital part of his journey. He takes to the airwaves, attempting to reach them through a makeshift radio. His heart finds a flicker of comfort when he receives a mysterious letter that reads, “Home is like a turtle’s shell; you can take it wherever you go.” This message resonates deeply with him until he uncovers a photograph of Grace from her past, possibly of a lost love or husband. The back of the picture bears a similar message about a turtle, leading Musa to believe that the letter may have originated from Grace, not his parents. This realization casts doubt on the connection that he holds so dear.
Driven by his yearning for home, Musa resolves to build a boat, convinced that sailing back to Syria is his only path to reunion with his family. Tragically, the film culminates in a heartbreaking scene where Musa drowns at sea, yet he experiences a surreal reunion with his parents, whose fate remains ambiguous, alive or lost to the past.
“Largo” presents a stark and sobering reflection on the global refugee crisis, highlighting that there are currently 11 million child refugees worldwide, with 1.3 million in Europe and around 127,000 residing in the UK. Out of those in Europe, 17% are separated from their families, and last year, 289 children tragically lost their lives while attempting to cross the sea.
This deeply affecting narrative is not only a personal story but also a clarion call to the world, reminding us of the human lives behind the statistics. Largo will be screened at this year’s Hollyshorts Film Festival in Hollywood, California, promising to leave audiences with a profound understanding of the challenges faced by child refugees across the globe. For tickets, please visit https://www.hollyshorts.com/
