Aimée & Samir

THE DOCUMENTARY

Aimée & Samir is a short documentary in which cinematic images and drawings merge, set against the backdrop of a forgotten humanitarian crisis. The Greek island Lesvos, known as a tourist destination, lies on the front line of Europe’s strict refugee policy. Hundreds of displaced people have arrived on its shores in fragile, overcrowded boats; dozens have drowned. Internationally acclaimed graphic novelist Aimée de Jongh travels to Lesvos in search of inspiration for her new book. Through her drawings and the story of the fictional Syrian boy Samir, Aimée reveals a reality that is largely kept out of public view.

FENIX HUMANITARIAN LEGAL AID

Aimée’s extensive research and her upcoming book were made possible through her collaboration with Fenix, an independent organisation operating on the ground in Lesvos. Fenix’ holistic team provides information, preparation for interviews and legal representation, offers trauma resilience building sessions and connects individuals to the care they need.

Working with Fenix allowed Aimée to gain unique insights into daily life of people who seek asylum on the island. The people, places and stories she encountered became the foundation for her graphic novel; the concepts and characters were shaped by her firsthand observations alongside the Fenix team. Aimée also supported Fenix’s mission by creating illustrations which are used for information sessions, helping people navigate and understand the complex asylum procedure.

WHY DONATE?

While the situation in Lesvos has largely been forgotten after the infamous Moria camp burned down, people continue to arrive. In the first eight months of 2026 alone, 1,400 people fled to Lesvos, primarily originating from Afghanistan, Palestine, Sudan, and Eritrea. Upon arrival, they face substandard camp conditions, a highly stressful and opaque asylum process leading to unjustified rejections, a lack of healthcare, and the threat of imprisonment if their claims fail. The government leaves critical care and information gaps, which NGOs have been covering for years. 

Once, one hundred humanitarian organisations operated on Lesvos. But today, following lack of funding and criminalisation of NGOs, Fenix is one of only two independent organisations left working daily inside the camp. Support outside the camp is rapidly collapsing and the few remaining teams operate under extreme pressure and with critically low resources, leaving only two psychologists and five lawyers for the entire population. 

For people who seek asylum, legal aid is life changing: it makes the difference between rebuilding their lives in safety, being sent back to the country they fled, or almost a decade of imprisonment in Greece. It is therefore essential that Fenix can keep their support going.

YOUR DONATION MAKES A REAL DIFFERENCE

With €15, Fenix can offer a legal information session to 10 people.

With €30, Fenix can prepare a care plan for a woman survivor of sexual violence, including housing, medical, psychological, and social referrals.

With €50, Fenix can give a one-on-one interview preparation session to a survivor of torture 

With €150, Fenix can run their Legal Clinic inside the camp for a morning, open to anyone who needs questions answered or support.

With €500, Fenix can offer holistic legal representation to a person forced to flee persecution based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.

With €1,000, Fenix can take a wrongful rejection to court.

With €2,400, Fenix can cover six months of rent — ensuring a safe space for one-on-one appointments.

Thank you so much for your support!