An Istanbul-based artist has created a satirical version of Nintendo's Super Mario to highlight the plight of Syrian refugees while crossing Europe.

From coming across smugglers to facing guards manning the borders, this refugee Mario dies several times before he manages to reach the camp. 

The 29-year-old Syrian man, who uses the pseudonym Samir al-Mufti, told the BBC, "A lot of my friends have fled for Europe. From talking to them I built a clear idea of what they went through and the life threatening risks they took". 

"Five months ago my best friend drowned in the sea while travelling from Ismir (Turkey) to Greece. The engine on the boat exploded. That's when I got the idea for the video."

He chose Super Mario "because it's famous all over the world."

Samir’s personal experiences too have shaped his work. After two of his brothers were killed, he had to flee Syria with his parents and sister, he told BBC.