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IDFA 2022

Europe

Philip Scheffner
Germany, France
2022
105 min
Dutch Premiere
Festival history

“Europe” is the name of a bus stop in the French town of Châtellerault, where the Algerian Zohra Hamadi lives and works. She is recovering from major back surgery when overnight her new home becomes a hostile place: she is informed that her residence permit will not be extended. This puts an end to all her plans for the future—the husband who was coming over from Algeria, the family they were going to start. Instead, Zohra prepares for a life of illegality. Living in the abandoned houses of relatives. Buying a dress that doesn’t need ironing.

Director Philip Scheffner (Revision, 2012) cast the Algerian actress Rhim Ibrir to re-enact Zohra’s reality. As her French life vanishes, Zohra herself also disappears. Scheffner keeps her just out of the shot or shows her walking through deserted streets. The isolation in which undocumented people find themselves thus becomes palpable. Through blending fiction and reality, Scheffner creates a powerful political statement.

Credits
Director
Production
    Caroline Kirberg for pong film,
    Merle Kröger,
    Meike Martens,
    Thomas Micoulet for Haut les mains Productions,
    Karim Aitouna for Haut les mains Productions
    Caroline Kirberg for pong film,
    Merle Kröger,
    Meike Martens,
    Thomas Micoulet for Haut les mains Productions,
    Karim Aitouna for Haut les mains Productions
Cinematography
    Volker Sattel
    Volker Sattel
Sound
    Tristan Pontécaille
    Tristan Pontécaille
Sound Design
    Simon Bastian
    Simon Bastian
Involved TV Channel
    Rundfunk Berlin-Brandenburg
    Rundfunk Berlin-Brandenburg
World Sales
    Square Eyes
    Square Eyes
Screening copy
    Square Eyes
    Square Eyes

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