When I Go Outside | AKFF

Amsterdam Koerdisch Film Festival

When I Go Outside is an intimate documentary portrait of Bîstyek, a self-taught artist whose work is deeply shaped by his experiences as a refugee. Born in Rojava (Syria) and forced to flee due to war and hardship, Bîstyek rebuilds his life in Canada while confronting memories of loss, survival, and identity. Through painting, sculpture, and immersive installations, he transforms personal trauma into vivid, expressive art that reflects both his own story and those of others displaced by conflict. The film follows his creative process, including the reconstruction of the cramped spaces from his childhood, turning memory into physical form and emotional testimony.