For The Freedom

Logline
In a city overrun by criminals, a resilient young Syrian refugee confronts a racist journalist, unveiling the secrets of her enigmatic tattoo and the haunting truths of her tumultuous past, all while navigating the deadly urban landscape to ensure justice prevails.

Synopsis
Set against the backdrop of war-torn Syria, this story follows the harrowing journey of a young girl named Bibi and her family as they try to escape the violence that has destroyed their home and lives. Teaming up with her friend Samson, Bibi confronts the fear of foreigners that grips a small town, now under the brutal control of Gregor MacGregor. As Bibi battles to rid the town of these villains, her tattoo’s secrets and the truth of her past slowly unravel. To survive and seek justice, she must confront not only external enemies but also the shadows of her own history, ultimately aiming to restore order and reclaim her life.

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"For The Freedom," "Between Life and Death," and "Trail of Tears" form a contemporary Western trilogy, each centered on a strong female protagonist. While the stories feature distinct characters and narratives, they are unified by their shared setting in the same evocative town.

In each installment, a compelling MacGuffin emerges in the third act, revealing a poignant and sorrowful secret. These screenplays trade the mystery of "whodunits" for the deeper, emotional question of "WHOAREYOUs," unraveling raw, heart-wrenching truths about identity, resilience, and the human spirit.

  • Hans Sluijter
    Writer
  • Project Type:
    Screenplay
  • Number of Pages:
    98
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • First-time Screenwriter:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Hollywood Gold Awards
    Hollywood
    January 5, 2025
    Gold Award - Feature Script
  • London Movie Awards
    London
    April 4, 2024
    Gold Award: Feature Script
  • Chicago Script Awards
    Chicago
    January 25, 2024
    Best Western Screenplay
  • Bridge Fest
    Vancouver
    December 27, 2023
    Best female lead character screenplay
  • Milan Gold Awards
    Milan
    January 5, 2024
    Best Feature Script
  • Sweet Democracy Film Awards
    Italy
    March 10, 2023
    Best Western Script
  • Las Vegas International Film & Screenwriting Festival
    Las Vegas
    November 19, 2022
    Award Winner
  • Florence Film Awards
    Florence
    December 5, 2023
    Best Feature Script
  • Festigious International Film Festival
    Los Angeles
    June 1, 2022
    Best Western Screenplay
  • 8 & Halfilm Awards
    Rome
    November 2, 2022
    Best Western Screenplay
  • Filmen International Film Competition
    Paris
    June 14, 2023
    Outstanding Achievement Award
  • International Gold Awards
    New York
    July 6, 2023
    Honorable Mention
  • AFIN International Film Festival
    Brisbane, Australia
    September 19, 2023
    Honorable Mention
  • Santa Barbara International Screenplay Awards
    Santa Barbara
    August 16, 2022
    Finalist
  • INFLUX Film Award
    Huntington Beach
    November 14, 2022
    Honorable Mention
  • LONDON INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
    London
    February 20, 2023
    Honorable Mention
  • Hollywood Gold Awards
    Los Angeles
    December 4, 2022
    Silver Award- Feature Script
  • New York International Screenplay Awards
    New York
    April 27, 2023
    Semi-Finalist
  • Los Angeles International Screenplay Awards
    Los Angeles
    August 3, 2022
    Quarter Finalist
Writer Biography - Hans Sluijter

Originally from the Netherlands, I began my creative journey as a teacher and sociologist, where I developed a deep understanding of human behavior and the power of storytelling to influence, inspire, and unite. That foundation led me to the world of screenwriting, where I now bring layered, globally resonant narratives to life.

My passion for meaningful stories has driven me to create works that reflect both personal truth and societal depth. Collaborating with industry legend Kevin Pike marked a turning point in my career — one that affirmed my belief in bold, cross-cultural storytelling.

As I continue this journey, I remain committed to creating cinema that connects and endures. The stories are ready — now I’m seeking the right partnerships to bring them to the screen.

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Writer Statement

I never lose. I either win or learn.