Teen Artist Paints Pain, Escapes Abuse, Seeks Europe

A gripping documentary, "A Fox Under a Pink Moon," chronicles the arduous journey of Soraya Akhalaghi, a young Afghan refugee. Soraya, who initially describes her attempts to reach Europe as a "game," reveals the profound challenges faced by displaced migrants. Her artistic talents serve as a powerful coping mechanism, transforming her pain into darkly fantastical drawings and sculptures, a process she calls "painting her pains."

This film offers a deeply personal perspective, with Soraya co-directing and shooting much of the live-action footage on her cellphone over five years. We learn of her life stranded between Afghanistan and Europe, largely in Tehran, where she experienced loss and abuse. The narrative follows her attempts to cross the Turkish border into Greece, her subsequent return to Tehran, and her channeling of frustration into resourceful artistry.

The documentary beautifully integrates animated sequences based on Soraya's artwork, providing visual depth to her unique worldview. These animations, featuring characters like a beleaguered clown and a fox, expand on her experiences and reflect broader themes of persecution. Soraya emerges as a compelling figure, demonstrating remarkable stoicism and resilience in the face of immense adversity.