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The 10th Day

The 10th day is a Greek drama film directed, written, and produced by Vassilis Mazomenos, released in 2012. It was considered one of the best Greek films of 2013 by the Greek review.

Ali, an Afghan immigrant, tries to survive and conquer the Western dream while residing in a basement in Athens. He makes a living by picking up scraps that he loads into a cart, wandering the streets of the city. Throughout his day, Ali is surrounded by memories of his homeland, his journey to Europe, and his "jeals" – a term that reflects the longing for freedom and safety.

The film explores Ali's childhood and oppressed youth under the Taliban regime in Afghanistan. His father, along with six other youths' parents, decides to help them escape the country with the assistance of a driver. The group embarks on an odyssey through Iran and Turkey, where they face arrest and torture. However, thanks to bribery from the driver, they manage to be released.

Ali's journey continues as he arrives in Greece by sea but is arrested upon arrival at the port. After being released from Greek prisons due to political asylum, Ali faces a second nightmare on the streets of Athens, struggling with intolerance and racism. Ultimately, he decides to seek his return home.

The film features an ensemble cast, including Ali Haidari as Ali, Ioli Demetriou as Paca, Mahdi Gorbani as Mahdi, Hosin Ahmadi as Abas, Nicos Arvanitis as Man, Dina Avagianou as Woman, and Vassilis Koukalani as the Driver.

The 10th day was represented at several international film festivals, including the E.U Human Rights Film Festival in Turkey, the Montreal International Festival (Canada), Portugal's Panorama of European Film, London Greek Film Festival (U.K.), CYIFF (Cyprus), and the Human Rights Film Festival in Barcelona, Paris, New York. The film received a committee's special award at the 2012 Panorama of European Film festival and three nominations for awards at the Hellenic Film Academy in 2013.

The film has garnered positive reviews from critics, with Ninos Mikelides praising Mazomenos' direction, stating that he "records the route of his tragic hero through images selected with thought, images artistically wonderful, with lightings that clearly present the psychological state of the persons." Another