In 2015, sisters Yusra and Sara Mardini flee war-torn Syria for Europe, hoping to fulfill Yusra’s dreams of competing in the 2016 Olympics. Real-life sisters Nathalie Issa and Manal Issa star in The Swimmers, which tells the true story of the Mardini sisters’ perilous journey. The film premieres on Netflix Nov. 23.

Nathalie Issa

Lebanese actor Nathalie Issa stars as Yusra, a Syrian teenager determined to become an Olympic swimmer. As civil unrest and conflict envelop her country, she plans to seek refuge in Germany, where she hopes she can safely continue her training and eventually reunite with her family.

The Swimmers marks Issa’s breakout role. She also appeared in the 2018 drama My Favorite Fabric.

Manal Issa

Manal plays Sara, Yusra’s rebellious older sister, who’s also a competitive swimmer but not as disciplined. She comes up with the plan to get herself and Yusra to Berlin first and then apply for asylum for their entire family.

Manal is known for The Sea Ahead, Ulysses & Mona and Parisienne. 

Matthias Schweighöfer

German actor Schweighöfer plays Sven, a swimming coach in Berlin who Yusra hopes will train her and Sara. Seeing Yusra’s talent and dedication, he becomes committed to getting her to the Olympics.

Schweighöfer appeared in Army of Thieves, Army of the Dead and The Red Baron.

You can follow Schweighöfer on Instagram and Twitter.

Ali Suliman

Palestinian actor Suliman plays Ezzat, Yusra and Sara’s father and swim coach, who’s got high athletic expectations for his daughters. While he’s concerned for their safety on the path to Germany, he understands it’s in their best interest to leave home as the situation in Syria worsens. 

Suliman appeared in Jack Ryan, Mars at Sunrise and the Oscar-nominated, Golden Globe-winning film Paradise Now. 

You can follow Suliman on Instagram.

Ahmed Malek

Egyptian actor Malek plays Yusra and Sara’s cousin Nizar, who agrees to join them on their trek to Berlin and thus helps ease Ezzat’s concerns. Leaving behind his studies, Nizar struggles in Germany with his limited prospects as a refugee.

Malek is known for Bimbo, The Furnace and Clash, an official selection at the 69th Cannes Film Festival in 2016. 

You can follow Malek on Instagram and Twitter.

James Krishna Floyd

British actor Floyd plays Emad, an Afghan refugee who befriends Yusra, Sara and Nizar in Turkey, where they plan to cross the sea to Greece. Facing difficulties together, he grows close to Sara.

Floyd won a British Independent Film Award in 2012 for his role in My Brother the Devil and has appeared in The Good Karma Hospital and No Man’s Land.

You can follow Floyd on Twitter.

Nahel Tzegai

Tzegai plays Shada, an Eritrean refugee with a newborn, who’s trying to cross into Greece from Turkey. She forms a bond with Yusra, who helps her along the way.

Tzegai has appeared in Sliced and The Miracle Workers.

Kinda Alloush

Syrian actor Alloush plays Mervat, Yusra and Sara’s mother who worries about their safety if they remain in Syria and supports their decision to go to Berlin. While her husband, Ezzat, is hesitant to let them go, she helps convince him.

Alloush appeared in Nezouh, Women’s Maadi House and Except Me. 

You can follow Alloush on Instagram and Twitter.

The Swimmers premieres on Netflix Nov. 23.