The story of Ashraf El Sharkawy, 39, who leaves behind an established life as a successful manager in Germany to start a campaign in Egypt helping to spread the idea of democracy. Driven by the urge to give back something to his parents’ home country, Ashraf— born and raised in Germany, to Egyptian parents— develops a campaign named 'Freedom Bus'. Prior to the first truly free elections in the history of Egypt, Ashraf travels the entire country with a team of companions in his 'Freedom Bus'. Their goal: to self-empower the Egyptian people— hoping they will not miss out on their historic chance to vote.

Sarah Khoshjamal, a 20-year-old Taekwondo superstar, is the first female professional athlete from Iran to qualify for the Olympics. This skillful vérité portrait follows the unassuming Khoshjamal in the nine months leading up to the 2008 Beijing games. Living in an Islamic country, she is required to wear a hijab at all times and, unlike her fellow competitors around the world, cannot train with men; however, the power in her fighting resoundingly breaks down stereotypical barriers. Khoshjamal’s experience as a world-class athlete may be familiar, but captured here is the importance of the coach-athlete relationship. The bond she shares with her feisty and much-admired female coach is revealed through everyday moments as both struggle through inequality to make their mark—in sport and society. Though it’s still the male athletes who are ultimately celebrated in her country, Khoshjamal’s accomplishments and lasting influence on scores of girls in Iran are undeniable.