Dounia: The Great White North

A gentle, heartwarming story about adapting to a new country while keeping old traditions alive, with a touch of magic and lots of cultural warmth.

Directed by

André Kadi, Marya Zarif

Genres

Animation

Starring

Manuel Tadros, Rahaf Ataya, Elza Mardirossian

Overview

Now settled, Dounia and her grandparents slowly get to know Canada, the new home that welcomed them: its intense seasons, its special foods, its languages (three and counting!). Dounia’s grandparents are sure to keep their Syrian traditions alive at home, while her new friends share traditions of their own, like Rosalie’s French-Canadian lifestyle or Miguizou’s vast indigenous folklore. So while she still misses her dad who stayed back in Aleppo, Dounia now has new ways to keep him with her. It’s when Kukum, Miguizo’s grandmother, teaches Dounia to call her father with all of her heart, that he just might find his way back to her.

How it feels

Warm, earnest, melancholic and whimsical. Measured and easy to follow.

About

Family, immigration, identity, friendship

Content

No violence, gore, sexual content or swearing.

Note

Written by AI, so it can be wrong. Full breakdown

Your rating is saved. See your suggestions, or find titles like this one below.

Rate it, and Mesmero finds titles that feel like it. You do not need an account.

Watch the trailer on YouTube (opens in a new tab)