On the surface, Asmaa and I seemed very different. We come from distinct backgrounds, cultures, languages, religions and situations. But it didn't take long for me to realize that we had more in common than I’d ever imagine. We are two women the same age trying to make a difference in the world through storytelling. On an even deeper level, we are two humans trying to find meaning and transcendence. These parallelisms have led to a fascinating and very emotional journey as a filmmaker. Asmaa’s courage and strength has allowed me to face my own fears and overcome the enormous challenge of producing this film during the pandemic in a foreign country and language. 

The more we talked and the more the team and I understood her living situation, we couldn't help wonder, what drives someone facing adversity and hardship to turn it into an opportunity for change? Where does the motivation come from? This became our driving motor. This documentary is also a reflection of the framework and philosophy of The Big Heart Foundation's local Jordanian partner and grantee, We Love Reading, told through Asmaa's story. It brings to light the importance of empowering refugees with agency, autonomy, voice and ownership. 

I hope Asmaa's story will inspire others as it has inspired me. I hope Asmaa can lead the way towards important systematic changes and even more so I hope it can help confront people and remove stigmas from society.

— Alejandra Alcala