I Was a Stranger is a 2024 drama film (widely released in 2026) written and directed by Brandt Andersen. The story follows five lives pulled together by war, borders, and survival: a Syrian doctor fleeing Aleppo with her daughter, a smuggler trying to save his son, a soldier battling his conscience, a poet searching for home, and a Greek coast guard captain forced to choose between duty and mercy. Their paths collide during a terrifying night crossing the Mediterranean.
Movie Title: I Was a Stranger
Year of Release: 2025
Date of Release: January 9, 2026 (U.S); December 31, 2025 (U.S. limited release)
Director: Brandt Andersen
Writers: Brandt Andersen
Producers: Brandt Andersen, Ossama Bawardi, Ryan Busse, Charlie Endean
Production Companies: Philistine Films
Distributor: Angel Studios
Cast and Roles:
- Yasmine Al Massri
- Yahya Mahayni
- Omar Sy
- Ziad Bakri
- Constantine Markoulakis
- Jason Beghe
- Ayman Samman
- Massa Daoud
Running Time: 104 minutes
Age Rating: PG
Country: Jordan, United States, Palestine, Israel, Turkey
Language: Arabic, English, Greek
Genres: Drama
Music: Nick Chuba
Cinematography: Jonathan Sela
Editing: Jeff Seibeneck
Note:
The movie was previously titled The Stranger’s Case, and it premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale) in 2024 before its later U.S. theatrical release under the new title.
