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Fortress Europe

Ghosts (2008)

Fortress Europe examines the refugee issue within Europe with three screenings. According to EU statistics, there are eight million refugees in Europe. The short films in the category approach the theme from many perspectives. They portray the rootlessness, feeling of insecurity, exploitation but also the hard work and occasional bits of happiness. Fortress Europe cuts into what it really means to seek a better life in a continent entrenched to defend its own welfare and privileges.

Pirogues (2008) is an animation that shows how the lives of two couples are affected by borders. Dasa (2007) portrays a Russian woman living in Croatia, who dreams of a better life in Germany – and is willing to do anything make the dream come true. Ghosts (2008) is a film about asylum seekers in Finland, who await their verdict in a reception centre, a “warehouse” for humans. A Kosovo Fairytale (2009) is an animated documentary about a refugee family from Kosovo, about how they fled their country, leaving behind their two-year-old son.

Held on Thursday March 11th at 2 pm is a discussion about human rights and film at Werstas auditorium. Directors Xavi Sala (Spain), Elina Hirvonen and Kati Juurus take part in the discussion together with Juha Rajamäki from the Media Foundation of the Church. Sormenjäljet (2009, dir. Kati Juurus) and Paradise - Three Journeys in this World (2007, dir. Elina Hirvonen) are screened before the discussion at 12 o’clock. Admission to the event is free.