In awarding the film Best Narrative Feature Award and Best Actress Award for Sibel Kekilli, the Tribeca Film Festival Narrative Jury said of the film, "When We Leave examines one woman's struggle for personal freedom. It is a riveting and heartbreaking story of a woman trapped in an abusive relationship, who must not only free herself from that marriage, but also face the cultural prejudices and judgments that would keep her there."