Documentary
United States of America,Sweden
Life Overtakes Me is a documentary film that explores the chilling phenomenon of 'uppgivenhetssyndrom' or Resignation Syndrome in Sweden. The film begins with an introduction to the condition and the alarming rate at which it is affecting hundreds of refugee children in the country.
The documentary follows the stories of several families who have experienced this condition firsthand. One of them is the Alali family from Syria, who arrived in Sweden seeking asylum. However, their hopes for a new life in a safe country were shattered when they found out about their impending deportation.
As a result, their 8-year-old daughter Amaia became afflicted with Resignation Syndrome and retreated into a coma-like state for several months. The family, along with other families in similar situations, are now living in limbo, waiting for their fate to be decided by the Swedish government.
The film also features interviews with medical professionals, who shed light on the possible causes and treatments for the condition. It is suggested that the trauma of fleeing conflict and persecution, combined with the stress of facing deportation, is what triggers this extreme reaction in young children.
Throughout the film, there is a sense of urgency and frustration as the families struggle to navigate the Swedish bureaucracy and appeal against their deportation orders. The heart-wrenching stories of these children offer a sobering reminder of the devastating human cost of conflicts and displacement.
In conclusion, Life Overtakes Me is a powerful and heartbreaking documentary that sheds light on a little-known condition affecting refugee children in Sweden. It offers a compassionate look at the struggles of these families and the need for more humane policies towards refugees.
