Ali and His Miracle Sheep

After his father is killed by ISIS, traumatized 9-year-old Ali stops speaking. He tells his grandmother he will feel better if allowed to take part in an annual 400-kilometer walk to Karbala, a mourning pilgrimage to sacrifice his sheep, Kirmenta, for his father’s soul. As Ali and his brother walk the desert road with thousands of other pilgrims, the sheep becomes sick — and stubborn. The boys try coaxing, carrying and eventually pushing the sheep in a wheelchair. The film is a haunting, lyrical look at a nation destroyed by war and broken promises, asking if miracles are still possible.

Colorado Premiere