10/06/2025 - Emma Vilarasau leads the cast of the Catalan director's debut film, which tells the true story of Ousman Umar, a famous Ghanaian journalist, writer and human rights activist

Writer Ousman Umar, director Dani Sancho, actor Benjamin Adams and actress Emma Vilarasau on the set of Viaje al país de los blancos (© Lander Larrañaga)

Currently being filmed in Spain and Ghana, Viaje al país de los blancos is Dani Sancho's first feature film. Written by Guillem Clua (screenwriter for films such as Los renglones torcidos de Dios [+see also:
trailer
film profile] and series such as Smiley and The Innocent), it is the screen adaptation of the book of the same name by activist, humanist and educator Ousman Umar, who plays himself. He is joined in the cast by newcomers Benjamin Adams and Víctor Say, who portray the central character in his adolescence and childhood. The cast also features Catalan actress Emma Vilarasau (nominated for a Goya Award for Para que no me olvides [+see also:
trailer
film profile] and this year for A House on Fire) in the role of the adoptive mother, a key figure for the protagonist's journey of transformation.

The feature film tells the story of Ousman Umar, a young Ghanaian captivated by the mysterious land of the white people, who leaves his village and sets off for Europe. When he arrives in Barcelona after a difficult journey lasting several years, the dream that once sustained him is shattered by rejection and loneliness. That is, until he meets Montse, who welcomes him into her family and offers him not only love and support, but also the possibility of a future. Umar not only embraces it, but transforms it into something much greater, determined that his entire journey was not in vain.

As Umar himself has said, “seeing my story turned into a film is a dream that transcends the personal: it is the voice of thousands of young people who, like me, embark on impossible journeys in search of opportunity. This project not only highlights our resilience, but also invites the world to view migration through a lens of humanity and hope. Working with this team is a gift; their sensitivity and commitment will make this film a beacon for change.”

Director Dani Sancho adds: “directing Viaje al país de los blancos is much more than just shooting a film: it’s a full immersion in a real story that challenges, moves and inspires, a physical and emotional journey. For years, I have accompanied Ousman to understand not only his origins and migratory journey, but also the guilt, hope, and tireless strength that drive him to help others. This film was born from a deep desire to truthfully portray a reality that we often do not know... or do not want to see.”

Viaje al país de los blancos is produced by Ibon Cormenzana for Mundo Cero and Arcadia Motion Pictures, and Jaime Ortiz de Artiñano for Atresmedia Cine, along with Mundo Cero AIE, A Contracorriente Films and the French company Noodles Production. It features the participation of Atresmedia and has received funding from ICAA and ICEC. It will be distributed in Spanish cinemas by A Contracorriente Films.

(Translated from Spanish)