Yani

Set in the Stockholm suburb of Alby, YANI follows three inseparable teenage friends, Rayan, Caspian and Amir, as they approach the end of compulsory school and the uncertain transition into high school. Told with a humor and love for its characters, the series captures the everyday life of teens, with all its friendships, family and first loves. But then one day everything changes when Amir learns that his asylum application has been rejected, possibly for the last time, and he may now face deportation back to his birth country, Iraq. Determined not to lose their friend, the boys launch a campaign to help Amir stay, gathering signatures and mobilizing their community. YANI balances lighthearted comedic moments with emotional deep themes, explores identity and belonging, and in a true coming of ge fashion; the growing realization that their childhood is slowly coming to an end.

Reviews

“Director Tuna Özer masterfully brings Khalil’s novel to life, balancing these young people’s grief and pain with humor. Özer humanizes these boys from the suburbs, an otherwise deeply mistrusted group in Tidö-era Sweden—by highlighting strong colors and always letting the sun shine on them.”

Sydsvenskan, Sweden
“A warm and hopeful story even though there is darkness.”

Svt Kultur, Sweden