Friday, February 24, 2017

Friday Film- Refuge: Human Stories of the Refugee Crisis

by Nomad

When we think of the refugee problem, it's too easy to forget that each of the people, each family has its unique story, unique tragedies.
And each refugee has his or her own hopes for a better future and a safe place.

This documentary (and the "making of") attempts to give a misery a human face when a small team of filmmakers set out for Greece to interview the victims of this humanitarian crisis back in 2016.

Part 1-Refuge

  

Part 2- The Making of "Refuge"



Today the refugee situation has changed slightly. Entry through the crossing points the narrow straits between Turkey and Greece is more closely monitored. Winter weather makes the passage incredibly dangerous, discouraging even the most daring.

Contributions from the European community have allowed Turkey to provide better conditions in tent cities. Some potential refugees may think there is simply no point to making an attempt to leave. They have run out of options. 

That said, indications are that, come spring the floodgates may open again. In autumn of 2016, the New York Times reported that
Until recently, the deal between Turkey and the European Union, meant to contain the worst migrant crisis faced by the Continent since World War II, seemed to be working quite well. Departures plummeted, and the pressure on European leaders from far-right politicians opposed to migration appeared to ease.
It's hard to know what spring in the Aegean will bring. In September, it was clear the situation hadn't been resolved.
More than a thousand migrants, including Syrians, Afghans, Pakistanis and Iraqis, arrived in Greece last week, nearly double the number the previous week, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. That is still far below the roughly 1,700 arriving in Greece every day at the height of the crisis last year, but far more than the 50 arrivals a day in the relatively placid months after the deal was reached.
It would be a shame and a pity to think there may be a sequel to this film, with more stories and more tears.