Capernaum

Zain El Hajj, a 12-year-old boy from impoverished Beirut, has never had a birth certificate, leading his parents, Souad and Selim, to neglect him and his seven siblings. This situation deeply affects Zain, as he understands the importance of identity and the consequences of his family's indifference.

From his prison cell, Zain takes an unprecedented legal step by suing his parents for neglect. When asked by the judge why he is doing this, he bluntly states, 'Because I was born,' highlighting the neglect and suffering he has endured.

In the months leading up to his arrest, Zain struggles to take care of his seven younger siblings. Instead of going to school, they resort to various schemes for cash, pushing Zain further into a life filled with hardships and illegal activities.

Desperate to support his family, Zain begins using forged prescriptions to acquire tramadol pills, which he then sells to drug addicts in prison. This illegal venture underscores the desperate measures he must take to survive in a harsh environment.

When his 11-year-old sister Sahar has her first menstruation, Zain helps her hide it from their parents, fearing that she will be married off to their landlord, Assad. This moment showcases Zain's protective nature and the oppressive cultural expectations surrounding young girls.

In a heartbreaking turn of events, Zain's parents marry Sahar off to Assad in exchange for two chickens, leaving Zain devastated. Infuriated by the betrayal, Zain decides to run away in search of a better life.

On the bus after running away, Zain encounters the eccentric 'Cockroach Man,' who provides a brief moment of companionship. The man introduces Zain to Luna Park, where Zain finds solace in the beauty of the sunset while on the Ferris wheel.

At Luna Park, Zain meets Rahil, a compassionate Ethiopian migrant worker, who offers him shelter in exchange for babysitting her infant son, Yonas. This arrangement symbolizes a flicker of hope for Zain amidst his grim reality.

Rahil faces the peril of being unable to renew her forged documents and is threatened with the loss of Yonas when Aspro, the facilitator of her documents, offers to help only if she relinquishes her son. This exploitation highlights the dangers faced by undocumented immigrants.

After Rahil is arrested, Zain desperately claims Yonas as his sibling to protect him. This moment of desperation drives Zain back into selling tramadol, as he struggles to care for the child while navigating the challenges of his own survival.

While at Souk Al Ahad, Zain meets Maysoun, a Syrian refugee eager for a better life in Sweden. Their encounter further complicates Zain's choices, as he weighs the option of giving up Yonas to secure a way out for himself.

In a shocking encounter with his parents, Zain learns they laugh at him and disrespect his struggles. The revelation that Sahar has died during childbirth due to their negligence drives Zain into a rage, leading him to attack Assad.

After attacking Assad in a fit of anger, Zain is arrested and sent to Roumieh Prison. This marks the beginning of a harsh journey where Zain confronts his family's neglect and fights for a cause that resonates with many.

While in prison, Zain uses his voice to amplify the plight of neglected children, even reaching out to the media to advocate for change. His determination to sue for parental negligence signals a turning point in his life and the lives of others.

In a poignant court session, Zain emphasizes the pain caused by his parents and demands they stop having children. His courage leads to the reunification of separated children, including Yonas and Rahil. The experience culminates with Zain photographing for his ID, where he smiles for the first time, reclaiming a piece of his identity.