I Was a Stranger Trailer & Fun Facts

I Was a Stranger Synopsis:

Set against the backdrop of the Syrian Civil War and inspired by real refugee stories. The desperate, cross-continental journeys of five distinct figures—a doctor, a soldier, a smuggler, a father, and a captain—whose paths intersect as they seek safety and belonging across four continents, capturing their resilience and the fragile beauty of hope in the face of unimaginable loss.

Genre: Drama

Release Date: In theatres January 9th, 2026

I Was a Stranger Fun Facts:

Title Changed:
The movie was initially titled "The Strangers' Case." Following thorough market research, the title was changed to "I Was a Stranger" because the new title strongly connected with viewers and was perceived to highlight the movie's themes of compassion and empathy more clearly.

Inspired by Millions of True Stories:
The movie draws its inspiration from more than 14 million Syrians forced to leave their homes, but it doesn't focus on one specific real-life story. Rather, it combines the experiences of five fictional characters—a doctor, a soldier, a smuggler, a father, and a captain—drawing from the real-life experiences and struggles of various individuals impacted by the refugee crisis.

Award-Winning Festival:
Even prior to its full launch, the movie achieved significant acclaim on the international festival scene. It was showcased in over 50 international film festivals and received the prestigious Amnesty International Film Award at the 2024 Berlinale, also known as the Berlin International Film Festival.

Built on an Oscar Nomination Foundation:
Writer/Director Brandt Andersen drew inspiration from his 2020 short film, "Refugee," which was nominated for an Oscar in the Best Live Action Short Film category. The emotional narrative of that short film provided a strong foundation for this full-length movie.

A Truly International Production:
The film was shot in various countries, such as Jordan, Turkey, and the Occupied Palestinian Territory, so its story would be true to life. It includes several languages, like Arabic, English, and Greek, and provides subtitles for the non-English dialogue.

Distributed by Angel Studios:
The movie is distributed by Angel Studios. This company is unique because they often crowd-fund their films and prioritize stories that focus on positive values.

Source: youtube