Distilled

Distilled is a short documentary following Asmir Hadzibeganovic, a Bosnian war refugee, who is now an entrepreneur living in Berlin. As Asmir works to

realize his dream of opening his own distillery in a ruined historic cellar under the old Wine Street Berlin, he makes the decision to face his own buried

past and travel back to Bosnia for the first time since he was forced to flee.

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Fleeing is not just a physical act but a lifelong emotional echo.

Millions of people worldwide, like Asmir, have lost their homes and had to rebuild their lives. But what does it truly mean to lose one’s home – and possibly return? Distilled explores the deep emotional impact of fleeing, of loss, grief, and the ongoing struggle between past and present. Even after years, the memory remains vivid, the feeling of uprootedness persists.

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In Europe, migration is increasingly politicized, often reduced to numbers, border security, and deterrence. But Distilled is a reminder that behind every fleeing person is a human being – with hopes, fears, and a deep need for belonging. The film offers a personal perspective on what it really means to be a refugee – showing that the experience extends far beyond political debates.

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Director - Christopher Larson

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Starring - Asmir Hadzibeganovic​

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Music - Alessandro Paganelli

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Color - Raphael Freitas

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Awards

​Best Documentary - Berlin Indie Film Festival (2024)​

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Screenings

Izmir International Refugee Film Festival (April, 2025)

Berlin Refugee Week (June 20, 2025)

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