Climate activist Greta Thunberg made a surprise appearance at the Zurich Film Festival this week. Her presence brought fresh attention to My Home of Wind and Sand, a documentary following a Sahrawi activist’s decade-long journey.
Directed by Patrick Wally, the film premiered at the festival with Thunberg joining Wally and subject Najla Mohamed Lamin for a post-screening discussion. The conversation focused on activism, human rights and the long-running conflict in Western Sahara.
Thunberg’s last-minute addition quickly put the screening in the spotlight. Moreover, her involvement reflects her interest in connecting climate activism with wider social justice issues affecting displaced and Indigenous communities.
Greta Thunberg Joins Zurich Film Festival Discussion
Thunberg’s appearance added another layer to the documentary’s premiere. She has previously shown interest in the Sahrawi community and visited a Sahrawi refugee camp in 2025.
Since then, she has spoken about connections between the community’s struggles, climate issues and social justice. Therefore, her participation in the Zurich discussion created a natural link between her activism and the film’s themes.
Meanwhile, the focus remained on Lamin’s personal story. Rather than simply discussing the political conflict, the event explored how activism affects everyday life.
A Decade in the Making
Wally spent more than ten years developing My Home of Wind and Sand. During that time, he followed Lamin through different stages of her life in a Sahrawi refugee camp.
Importantly, the documentary avoids being only a traditional political story. Instead, it focuses on Lamin as a mother, activist and member of her community.
The film also explores the personal cost of maintaining peaceful activism. At the same time, it examines how generations of displacement can shape identity, family and hopes for the future.
Najla Mohamed Lamin’s Personal Journey
Lamin was born in a refugee camp. She has never seen the Western Saharan homeland she advocates for.
As a result, that distance becomes an important part of her story. The documentary asks what it means to fight for a future that you have never personally experienced.
Wally’s first meeting with Lamin also changed the direction of the project. Instead of focusing only on the broader political situation, he became increasingly interested in Lamin herself and her experiences.
That decision ultimately gave the documentary a more personal perspective.
A Story Beyond Politics
My Home of Wind and Sand goes beyond headlines and political debates. Instead, it puts a human face on a conflict that has continued for generations.
Through Lamin’s daily experiences, audiences see the balance between activism and family life. Moreover, the documentary explores the emotional challenges that come with displacement and uncertainty.
This approach allows the film to tell a wider story about identity, resilience and community. At the same time, it keeps Lamin’s individual journey at its center.
Lightdox Takes Worldwide Sales Rights
Meanwhile, the documentary has secured an international distribution opportunity. Swiss documentary sales company Lightdox acquired worldwide sales rights to the film.
The deal could help the documentary reach audiences well beyond its Zurich premiere. Furthermore, Lightdox has highlighted the film’s intimate approach and its focus on family, community and activism.
With the festival premiere now complete, the documentary enters its next stage. Its international sales representation could open the door to additional screenings and audiences worldwide.
Greta Thunberg’s Appearance Brings Extra Attention
Thunberg’s involvement has also increased attention around the film. Her unexpected appearance turned the Zurich premiere into a particularly notable festival moment.
However, the documentary’s core remains Lamin’s story. Wally’s decade-long filmmaking process provides an intimate look at her life, while the film uses her experiences to explore much larger questions.
Ultimately, My Home of Wind and Sand combines personal storytelling with a complex political backdrop. Now, with its Zurich premiere and worldwide sales representation, the documentary is ready to take its story to a much broader audience.
Stay tuned for more entertainment news, film festival updates and stories from the world of cinema.
About the author
Neha Nikharge is Assistant Editor at Awesome TV and a writer for AWSM Times. Neha covers Bollywood, OTT releases, celebrity interviews and pop culture for South Asian audiences in the US and around the world, and has written more than 4,500 stories for Awesome TV. Story tips and corrections: hello@awesometv.com.
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