Harraga – Those Who Burn Their Lives

by Benjamin Rost
  • 2023 MSZ // Production & Consulting
  • 2023 MSZ // Production & Consulting
  • 2023 MSZ // Production & Consulting
  • 2023 MSZ // Production & Consulting
  • 2023 MSZ // Production & Consulting
  • 2023 MSZ // Production & Consulting

    Synopsis

    Imad, Nourdine, Walid and Hamza live in a stone cave under a lighthouse in Melilla. Every night, the Moroccan teenagers break into the nearby port. There, they try to climb unnoticed onto ships bound for the Spanish mainland. They and dozens of other children have formed their own community under the protection of the rocks. Director Benjamin Rost documents the impressive lives of the young people over a period of five years. The film's title describes the widespread practice of illegal North African immigrants burning their papers, and thus their identities, when apprehended by police. A poignant documentary that offers a glimpse into an unknown world. [19ZFF]

    Festivals

    2023
    19 ZFF – Zurich Film Festival
    57 Hof IFF
    2024
    14 Human Rights Film Days Luzern
    Composer Alexander Vicar nominated for GERMAN DOCUMENTARY FILM MUSIC AWARD – 39 DOK.fest Munich
    20 Achtung Berlin FF
    8 SWR Doku Festival
    Casablanca Arab FF