ZOOM IN ON MIGRATIONS

Migration is one of the leading themes in the international short films. Sadly, it is often exploited and treated without any reflection. The “Zoom in on migrations” screening is a selection of the most interesting films about emigration in its various aspects. There is absolutely no propaganda in these productions. The curator’s idea was to create a diverse and nuanced image of migration in different parts of the world, one that focuses on individuals and their problems and avoids stereotypes, which in turn reminds us of the human aspect of this problem instead of the political one. Although in the face of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, dramas of fictional characters in films produced on the other side of Europe may seem unfamiliar to the Polish audience. Perhaps, just like the creators of these productions, now it is especially important to try to look at the world from the perspective of people who have left their home with hope for a better life.

Screening curator: Maciej Misztal

The Departure, dir. Said Hamich (France) 2020, 25’, 15+
Morocco, 2004. 11-year-old Adil spends a carefree vacation. The moment of bliss is destroyed by the unexpected visit of his father and older brother, who will leave for France in just a few days. The film was presented at e.g. Clermont-Ferrand ISFF and Go Short IFF.

Il Custode e il fantasma, dir. Christian Filippi (France) 2021, 15’, 13+
It’s the first day of work for Claudio as the cemetery guardian. The retiring worker warns him that the place is haunted by ghosts. Claudio doesn’t pay much attention to these words until he hears some suspicious sounds… Polish premiere.

Behind Closed Doors, dir. Latifa Saïd (France) 2021, 22’, 16+
Nadia teaches french to chinese prostitutes in parisian neighbourhood Belleville. She tries to help one of her students, Mei, who is saving money to make his son travel to France. But she doesn’t seem to notice she has neglected the relations with her own son. Polish premiere.

Without a Country, dir. Verónica Mey (Spain) 2022, 18’, 13+
Amal and Armando meet secretly at the rooftop of their building. Even though they come from very different and conflicted worlds, they will discover that they have more in common than they expected. Polish premiere.

Free Flow, dir. Sâm Mirhosseini (France) 2020, 26’, 15+
Zak works as a deep-sea diver in Dunkirk’s dock’s waters. As an immigrant from Iran, he arrived in France ten years ago and he doesn’t want to take part in helping immigrants whose ambition is to reach England. Will meeting his compatriot, Keivan, make him change his mind? Polish premiere.