Xoftex: Zombies and humor revive empathy machines

Filmmaker Noaz Deshe Discusses His Latest Project Xoftex

Interview with Euronews Culture

During a recent conversation with Euronews Culture, director Noaz Deshe shared insights into his upcoming feature, Xoftex. The film explores the lived experiences of refugees who took refuge in Greece following the escalation of the Syrian Civil War.

Key Themes Highlighted by Deshe

• Uplifting Narrative: Deshe emphasized the importance of portraying hope and resilience rather than focusing solely on conflict.
• Unique Perspective: The director aims to present the stories from a fresh viewpoint that resonates with both local and global audiences.
• Authentic Voice: By engaging with refugees directly, Deshe strives to ensure that the characters reflect genuine aspirations and dreams.
• Artistic Approach: The film combines documentary elements with creative storytelling to offer an immersive experience.

Creative Process Behind Xoftex

Deshe described his collaborative method, which involved extensive field research, interviews, and an empathetic lens to capture the nuanced emotions of those displaced by war. He believes that this approach will help audiences gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by refugees in Greece.

In closing, the director expressed hope that Xoftex will spark meaningful conversations and inspire positive action towards supporting refugee communities worldwide.

Introducing Xoftex: A Fresh Lens on the Refugee Crisis

In a year marked by the staggering rise of far‑right parties, fueled by fears of immigrants and refugees, a striking new feature has emerged: Xoftex. This film moves beyond the bleak realism that often accompanies stories of asylum seekers, instead painting their struggle with humor, fantasy, and an occasional zombie twist.

Why Traditional Narratives Fall Short

Current portrayals of refugee experiences tend to lean heavily on despair and hard‑ball social commentary. But while Xoftex acknowledges the real hardships faced by asylum seekers, it does so with an unexpected mix of levity and imagination. This approach invites audiences to confront the humanity of refugees in a way that feels fresh and engaging.

Director Noaz Deshe’s Philosophy

Director Noaz Deshe believes that empathy should be a built‑in component of storytelling, not an add‑on. He says, “Empathy should not be a bonus, it should be built in. It’s not something we should even need to mention. It’s a basic compound of you being a human being.” Deshe brings this conviction to life by blending comic elements with touching moments, encouraging viewers to see beyond the surface of “the other.”

Debut at Karlovy Vary International Film Festival

Last week, Xoftex premiered at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival in the Czech spa town, a hub for cinematic excitement in July. While the festival’s skyline is dotted with Rolls‑Royce‑driven VIPs, Deshe focuses on a different kind of journey: the voyage of those fleeing war and seeking sanctuary.

Remembering the Greek Refugee Wave

Deshe’s story is set against the backdrop of Greece’s crisis following the Syrian Civil War—a period when thousands of refugees arrived on Greek islands, flagging the nation’s urgent need for compassion and concrete support.

• Humorous narrative arcs
• Fantasy elements to spotlight resilience
• Zombies to symbolize internal and external threats
• Emphasis on empathy as a human instinct
• Recognition of real refugee hardships

Xoftex Refugee Camp: A Place of Waiting

Located behind a bustling industrial train yard, Xoftex became a crossroads where trains paused en route to the Balkans. The area was notorious for rampant gang activity and desperate attempts to gain passage onto the trains. Amidst this chaos stood a gutted toilet paper factory, a stark reminder of the danger surrounding the camp.

The Overwhelmed Greek Authorities

The surge of refugees between 2015 and 2018 brought unprecedented strain to Greece’s infrastructure and governance. Journalists and activists criticized the government’s response, yet the crisis demanded immediate action. Many children vanished amid the turmoil, and reports surfaced of corruption involving the Minister of Migration, with funds mysteriously missing.

Deshe’s Film: A Different Perspective

Contrary to the typical portrayal of endless suffering, Deshe’s documentary eschews the bleak social realism narrative. The film captures the humanity and resilience of refugees through intimate storytelling rather than a relentless doom.

First Night at Xoftex

On the first evening, I lingered just outside the rim of the camp, sharing a cigarette with a small group of refugees. They were eager to share their memories— the hardships of the asylum process, the life inside the camp, and their dreams for a future elsewhere. Despite isolation, their stories flowed freely.

When we crossed the fence, we gathered in a Red Cross tent. Within minutes, we swapped ghost stories, turning tension into laughter. Roughly thirty minutes later, we filmed a playful, almost spectral hunt within the camp’s confines. When we reviewed the footage, the laughter sounded genuine. “When can we do that again?” one asked.

The Essence of Hope Amid Hardship

Despite the grim backdrop, the film’s heart lies in moments of camaraderie, humor, and shared hope— a testament to the enduring spirit of those who find themselves in limbo.

Purgatory productions

Noaz Deshe’s Purgatory Film Unveils the Asylum Reality

Director Noaz Deshe has teamed up with Brigitta Portier Alibi Communications to bring a raw, cinematic look into the lives of those living in temporary shelters.

From Theatrical Roots to a Purgatorial Narrative

Prior to filming, Deshe collaborated with NGOs and the Theater of the Oppressed, an Italian group known for their interactive performances. During a series of camp visits, the director inspired participants to create short film trailers—quick, 10‑minute plays. Ideas ranged from gritty gangster tales to uncanny zombie stories, each echoing the frustration of waiting for a decision while navigating uncertain shelter conditions.

Defining the Genre: Purgatory in Motion

Deshe describes his work as a “Purgatory film.” In this context, the asylum setting becomes a no‑man’s land, a place of danger and loss, where individuals are dehumanized and treated almost like refuse. The narrative serves as a stark reminder that the harsh reality inside these shelters is far from the privileged world outside.

The Film’s Core Story

• The Protagonists: Former asylum seekers Abdulrahman Diab and Osama Hafiry play two brothers who wait for a call while sketching.
• The Evolving Camp: The surroundings morph into fantastical forms—a sleep disorder spreads, time bends with a speculative invention, turning the camp into a surreal landscape.
• Brotherly Dynamics: Between potential conflict, laughter and humor, the brothers navigate the unpredictability of their situation.

Why Watch This Film?

The movie captures a poignant blend of hope and despair, a subtle yet powerful critique of how asylum environments devalue human experience. By tossing in elements of fantasy and humor, Deshe invites viewers to confront the complexities of life in a temporary haven and encourages conversation about humanitarian pathways.

Xoftex: A Journey from Dreams to Reality

Behind the intriguing title “Xoftex illustrates magic and mystery from the mind” lies a bold cinematic venture steered by Brigitta Portier through Alibi Communications.

Capturing the Dreamy Sequel

“The real brothers dreamed of going to Sweden and ultimately did,” Portier recounts. “I filmed them throughout the entire journey, and a companion documentary will be ready in the next ten months.”

Why Not Gritty Social Realism?

• Resisting Victimization: Pure raw reality can strip individuals of humanity.
• Illuminating Aspirations: The film showcases fantasies, humor, talent, and potential.
• Fostering Intimacy: It merges documentary truth with the allure of a dream.

Production on a Shoestring

The story was filmed on a remarkably modest budget in Germany, with the support of Beau Willimon, the creator of House of Cards, and an unexpected ally.

Collaboration with German Anti‑Terror Unit

While in Berlin, the team met the head of the anti‑terror unit responsible for all refugee camps. He shared that a vast camp in Tempelhof housed structures mirroring those found in Greece.

• Set Inspiration: The camp’s design closely resembled the aesthetic envisioned for Xoftex.
• With Cinematic Transformation: Through careful visual manipulation, the site was turned into a believable set.

By melding practical resources with creative vision, the production rooted its fantastical narrative in a setting enriched by real historical context.

Robotics and the hard right

Right‑Wing Rise Across Europe

In today’s political climate, the surge of hard‑right parties in France, Italy, Hungary and the Netherlands signals a shift toward more mainstream xenophobia. With Marine Le Pen’s party expanding its seats, Giorgia Meloni and Viktor Orban at the helm, and similar forces gaining traction in the Netherlands, the question remains: how will this affect society moving forward?

Deshe on the Threat of Algorithm‑Driven Hate

• Algorithmic Amplification – Deshe warns that feeds inspired by instant gratification tactics are engineered to cultivate hatred. “Those mechanisms are very easy to feed,” he says, describing how the abundant desire for ego gratification fuels sensationalist content that fuels anger.
• Echo‑Chamber Effect – By consuming only headlines that align with pre‑existing beliefs, people become “robotized.” The complexity of narratives is stripped away, leaving a simplified narrative that can be quoted with minimal effort.
• Emotional Targeting – When users seek the feeling of hate—the anger that feeds them—the algorithm finds this emotional signal and pushes it further, eroding civil discourse.

Filmmakers: The Light in Complexity

Deshe’s approach to filmmaking is described as an act of illumination. He compares a camera or a piece of music to a “flashlight” that can shine on overlooked stories. Some key points from his interview:

• Focus on the Unseen – “You have to speak about Gaza, Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, Syria, Ukraine, Sudan and Congo.” He emphasizes that these regions often fall off the news cycle yet remain critical to human experience.
• Festival Platforms as Amplifiers – By showcasing work at prominent festivals, filmmakers can bridge the gap between personal storytelling and global visibility.
• Humanizing Frame – The “flashlight” is not just a technical tool but a means to humanize suffering, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with complex realities.

Re‑Cultivating Empathy

Deshe stresses that when algorithms breed hate, society must pivot to create empathy again. “With the algorithms encouraging hate, we have to become empathy machines once more.” In practice, this means:

• Producing content that showcases diverse perspectives.
• Encouraging viewers to engage in critical reflection rather than passive consumption.
• Highlighting shared human experiences to counter simplistic narratives.

Looking Ahead

In summary, while political tides provide more strands of xenophobia, the constructive voice of filmmakers and humanity’s capacity for empathy can illuminate counter‑currents. Deshe’s candid perspective reminds us that “your media diet” can be shaped into a tool for remembrance and understanding, rather than a conduit for division.