Yussuf Afifi’s movies and documentaries primarily explore human destinies and the socio-economic struggles of the modern world.
Short Films:
The Way to West (16 min; 1999) – Winner of SVT Silver Medal
A short, unexpected meeting takes place between a man from Russia and a Swedish girl when they end up occupying the same cabin on a boat. The man is headed to Stockholm to bring home his wife, who left him to seek fortune in Western Europe. The film received the silver medal at the SFV Film Festival 2000, and the main actress won the prize for Best Actress.
Street (3 min; 1999)
A meeting between an artist and a woman on a street, mirroring the attitude among contemporary artists towards common people.
I Wanna Be A Model (2 min; 1998)
Depicts the ambitions of a young girl aspiring to make her mark in the fashion world. At the end of the movie, the girl exposes her thoughts on art.
Simple Life, Double Life (21 min; 1996) – SVT Silver Medal Winner
In a telephone conversation, a woman recounts a meeting with an acquaintance to her friend. Her story, however, sharply contrasts with the reality of the meeting, reflecting the emptiness that hides behind the freedom of her simple way of life. The film received the silver medal at the SFV Film Festival 1998 and represented Sweden at the Nordic Film Festival, earning a bronze medal.
Siege (6 min; 1995)
A man of color, fleeing hunger and violence, seeks refuge in the West, only to discover he is being followed. The film received a scholarship from Filmverkstaden (Film Workshop) at Skeppsholmen.
One Night (5 min; 1994) – SVT Bronze Medal Winner
The story of an intrigue during a night at a nightclub, with a focus on the participants’ feet. The film received the bronze medal at the SFV Film Festival 1994.
With Myself (8 min; 1994)
The monologous contemplations of a young girl on the meaning of life, disappointments, her parents’ betrayal, and her search for love.
Point of View (12 min; 1994)
Depicts the hard labor and aspirations of a young mechanic who dreams of winning fortune and fame through sheer luck or athletic achievement.
Cheapness (12 min; 1993)
A feature film depicting the torment and isolation of an emigrant and his interactions with people and women from the fringes of society.
Short Films Series:
Three immigrant men attempt to stay in Scandinavia through their relationships with women:
An Older Man and I (20 min; 2006)
A middle-aged man uses his relationship with a younger girl to try and remain in Scandinavia.
A Muslim Guy and I (20 min; 2009)
A Muslim man, newly arrived in Sweden, uses his relationship with a woman to establish his place in his new home.
An African Guy and I (20 min; 2010)
An immigrant from Africa uses his relationship with a woman to try and remain in Sweden.
Documentary Films:
Between Tragedy and Happiness (17 min; 2000)
A reportage documenting the events of Roskilde Festival 2000 by following a festival-goer and recording her thoughts on the festival.
Youth in Gävle (29 min; 2002)
A small series of documentaries investigating the situation of youngsters in various small towns in Sweden—their dreams, thoughts, relationships, challenges, interests, and leisure activities. Recorded in Gävle.
Love in A Small Town (26 min; 2018)
Explores why young people move away from their hometowns and how living in a small town affects love, marriage, and mobility. The big city attracts, but as the film shows, many return home later in life. Recorded in Hallsberg, Sweden, and its surroundings.
Åsa Brandt – Glassblower (72 min; 2019)
A documentary about celebrated glassblowing artist Åsa Brandt, featuring her studio, small-town environment, and museum, along with in-depth interviews.
Educational Films:
Casma – The Store Development (21 min; 2000)
An instructional video for store demonstrations.
Feature Films:
Pillow Talk (90 min; 2008)
After spending the night with an unknown woman, a man begins to recount his past relationships and encounters. The conversation gradually shifts to the nature of love and sexual expression in modern times.
The Basement (85 min; 2014)
A young and older woman live together. The older woman, desiring children before it is too late, avoids all contact with men. The two women arrange for the younger to…