Three short films about the climate crisis and migration
November 4 2022, 19:00–21:30
at de_block, Waldmannstrasse 17, 3027 Bern

On all continents, the consequences of climate change are destroying the livelihoods of many people. Drought, floods and hurricanes are forcing people to leave their homes in order to survive, same as with war, persecution and poverty. European countries, such as Switzerland, are considered safe destinations. But there is no such thing as safety when refugees set out on their journey. The dangers of exploitation, abuse, violence and often hopelessness or death lurk everywhere. As a country of destination, transit and origin, Egypt is confronted with all the challenges mentioned above. However, this year’s climate conference in the country leaves out most of the critical issues. What ultimately happens to people who have made it to Europe? And who can claim security for their own lives?

Through three short films, we would like to create a connection between three topics, which are all closely linked:

Climate change: Loss of prospects and migration as a consequence
In the documentary «Natari» (Haroon Riaz/Jawad Sharif, Doku, Pakistan, Sindhi/en, 45min) we see the struggle of fisherman and activist Ayoub Sehto, who lives on the island of Kharo Chan in the Indus Delta. Because hardly any fresh water arrives there anymore, he and his son face the inevitable migration to the mainland.

There is no arrival. Discrimination as everyday life
In Giza, a Sudanese refugee is on her way to a wedding preparation with her seven-year-old daughter. As a henna painter, she is supposed to decorate the bride. But her art soon fades into the background. «Henet Ward» (Morad Mostafa, Egypt, Arabic/en, 22min) gives an insight into the everyday racism that refugees in Egypt are exposed to.

It’s a system. Switzerland with its responsibility for the climate crisis is building Fortress Europe
Faithfully neo-colonialist, Switzerland promotes a system of blatant inequality. On the one hand, as an emitter of CO2, arms exporter and commodities trader, on the other hand, as a very active advocate of Fortress Europe. Racism is everyday life here for all refugees, even for those who receive an F permit. The film «Das verlorene Paradies» (Mortaza Shahed,  Doku, Schweiz, farsi/de, 18min) is all about the lack of prospects inherent in such a system.