MY BROTHER ALI is a documentary by Paula Palacios that delves into the incredible and troubled story of Ali, a young Somali boy who left his homeland at the age of 14 to escape the war. When he is detained in Ukraine while trying to cross the border into the EU, Ali believes that a camera can help him get out of his situation. Thus begins the connection between him and filmmaker Paula Palacios, who will accompany him on his journey halfway across the world.
Filmed over several years, at a time when the world continues to face great challenges and build walls, MY BROTHER ALI is the portrayal of a coming of age in a world of violence and uncertainty.
The original soundtrack by Anne Victorino d’Almeida and Catarina Calvinho Gil’s evoke a dreamlike dimension in the film.
Paula Palacios’ film had its world premiere at DOCSMX – Mexico City and its European premiere at SEMINCI – Valladolid in October 2024, and has been screened and awarded at various festivals and distributed commercially in cinemas. It was nominated for Best Documentary at the Goya Awards 2025.
