In the documentary by director Rand Beiruty, Tell Them About Us, a sense of request and plea resonates throughout. The narrative centers on a group of teenage girls, mostly Arab, who recently arrived in Germany with their families. They seek to express their feelings about navigating life in a foreign country. Beiruty responds to their request and accompanies them for four years, during which a “friendship” develops that fosters a sense of comfort and reassurance. They joyfully move and express their feelings in front of her camera with spontaneity and freedom. This atmosphere of authenticity transforms her work into a visual delight that distances itself from sadness, and instead showcases optimism, hope, and the desire of the teenage girls to lead a dignified life in a new place where they must adapt. The documentary maker enters the schools where they learn and follows their linguistic and cognitive development, as each girl aspires to become someone meaningful in their new community. They do not dwell much on the obstacles and challenges stemming from discrimination and racist attitudes; their dreams help lift that weight off their shoulders.This inclination is reflected in their reenactment of the new reality, a process initiated by the documentary maker. Each girl is given the freedom to choose the role she wishes to play, allowing her to express her feelings and vision for the future. Beiruty continues to propose new ideas, adding greater vitality to her remarkable work. The variety of settings enhances the film’s dynamism, complemented by the energetic dialogue and actions of the girls, who are filled with enthusiasm for life. One is struck by the inner strength of these teenagers, who are often expected to complain and blame their circumstances for being thrust into a world so different from the familiar one of their childhood. Their determination pushes them to accept choices that may not align with their aspirations, yet their strong desire to achieve their dreams makes each of them feel as though they have truly found their place in this new community.Kais Kasim