Journey of Hope (1990) poster2

Switzerland10 Essential Swiss FilmsStop 2 of 10

Journey of Hope

Reise der Hoffnung

1990

Lured by tales of prosperity in Switzerland, a Turkish farmer sells everything and sets out with his wife and young son on a perilous clandestine journey across Europe toward the Swiss border. Based on a true story, a harrowing, Oscar-winning drama of migration.

Why it’s here

In a village in eastern Turkey, tales of the economic success of Turks in Switzerland inspire Haydar to convince his wife Meryem that they must go. He sells their livestock and small plot of land in exchange for passage for two. He wants to leave their seven children in the care of the eldest and his parents; his father advises him to take one son to be educated in Europe. Will anyone reach the land of promise?

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Part of 10 Essential Swiss Films

This film is stop 2 of 10 in the hand-ranked native-cinema route through Switzerland. See the complete ranking or read the selection methodology.

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