The Essien Children









Synopsis // The Essien children were born in Israel to migrant parents from Nigeria. In a moment of despair their mother left with them to Nigeria. Four years have passed, and they still feel detached, unable to continue their studies, living for a time on the streets. For the last 3 years they are trying every way possible to return to Israel and continue on their life path. Despite the fact that even in Israel they didn’t always feel that they belonged, their existence is Israeli, as they celebrate Jewish holidays and attend synagogue services for Nigerian Jews in Abuja. The film focuses on Esther’s feeling of alienation and just how much the Israeli experience is a part of the family’s lives, language, culture, and dreams. Esther recently celebrated her eighteenth birthday and might be able to return to Israel on her own.
Ran holds a Master of Fine Arts (MFA), graduating magna cum laude from the Film & Television Department at the Tel Aviv University. He received his Bachelor of Design (B.Design) at the Department of Visual Communication, Bezalel Academy of Arts & Design
OOP vision // “The film will touch upon the moral dilemmas, which the Essian family faces, and what sacrifices they must make. These dilemmas may belong to them, but they also touch the stories of many migrant families around the world. While I hope the film will help them return to Israel, I believe that whoever sees the film will be able to identify with the “other” that he generally does not encounter in his daily life”.