2026 FI-Lima Official Selection:  Short Film – Drama

Max, a man fleeing the police who want to kill him for challenging their role in the disappearance of his friend during a government crackdown in Qazaqland, escapes to Canada. There, he reunites with Marat, a fellow immigrant who has been in Canada for years and offers him a place to stay. While Marat is accustomed to hard manual labor, Max struggles to adapt and, in his search for easy money, falls into a dangerous world of crime. When Max’s choices lead to violence, both men are forced to flee once again—this time, across borders. “Fleeing Shadows” is a gripping tale of survival, friendship, and the desperate pursuit of freedom.

Director(s): Erjan Leroy Nurhassen
Writer(s): Erjan Leroy Nurhassen
Producer(s): Berik Igenbayev
Key Cast: Erjan Leroy Nurhassen, Berik Igenbayev, Ernat Alimgazi

Country: Kazakhstan
South American Premiere

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Source: FILA