At a crowded airport, Ahlam, a 14-year-old girl from Baghdad, embarks on a journey to escape a life of violence and reclaim her future. Haunted by memories of trauma and domestic abuse, she is forced to confront her past and reflect on the resilience that has carried her forward. ‘Shadows’ uses animation to depict Ahlam’s subjective experiences, illuminating the often-hidden realities of domestic violence and child marriage. Director Rand Beiruty’s nuanced storytelling sheds light on Ahlam’s strength, capturing her refusal to be defined by her circumstances.