Here in Metro Vancouver, discussions of the Asian diaspora has become commonplace, usually not without a nod to the Jewish diaspora. Yet one of the most widespread and arguably most complex diasporic communities in our midst is rarely acknowledged. The African diaspora traces migratory paths both coerced and voluntary. Examined, it reveals much about the structural forces behind our individual and collective stories of movement and displacement.
By the producers of Academy Award Nominees THE LOOK OF SILENCE and THE ACT OF KILLING, Les Sauteurs is a fascinating insider’s look into Mount Gurugu, an informal camp on the Spain-Moroccan border where over a thousand hopeful African migrants live, waiting for a chance to jump the fence that marks the distance between Europe and Africa, hope and despair…
In northern Morocco, lies the Spanish enclave of Melilla: Europe on African Land. On the mountain above, live over a thousand hopeful African migrants, watching the fence separating Morocco and Spain. Abou from Mali is one of them – the protagonist in front of the camera, as well as the person behind it. For over a year, he has ceaselessly attempted to jump the fence.
At the fence, they have to overcome the razor-wire, automatic pepper spray and brutal authorities. After every failed attempt, they return to Mount Gurugú, scouring for food in the nearby villages, trying to uphold some sort of order in the camp and building up their confidence again. Some give up and return home, others never return.
Select Award(s):
Nominated for Robert Prize for Best Documentary (the Danish Film Academy)
Cinema Eye Honors 2017 – Spotlight Award
Amnesty International Award, Docs Against Gravity 2016
Main Prize, dokKa Karlsruhe, 2016
The Jury’s Second Prize, Feature length Competition, DocumentaMadrid 2016
Main Award: Int. Feature length Award, Frankfurt Lichter IFF 2016
Ecumenical Jury Award, Berlinale 2016iting Award