In this deliberately provocative documentary essay, a teacher in a Sicilian classroom welcomes migrants with unusual techniques: rejecting them, then embracing them. His contradictory words echo the fraught power relations between Europe and those who seek safer, more prosperous lives on her shores.
Stranger in Paradise tackles head on some of the reasons advanced by both the left and the right to justify policies that have, so far, fallen shockingly short of responding to the needs of populations threatened by conflict, famine and gross inequality. This film does not claim journalistic impartiality, nor does it articulate an impassioned cry for change. What it does offer is a powerful starting point for a much-needed conversation on how Europe can respond to a humanitarian crisis of an unprecedented scale.
BEYOND THE SCREEN:
Stay with us after the film as we explore the dialogues and conversations that could re-shape Europe’s immigration policy and our borders, with guests including Lisa Stewart (Oxfam Scotland) and Nick Dearden (Global Justice Now).
This screening is presented as part of Crossings: Stories of Migration, anICA-led UK-wide film and events programme supported by the BFI using National Lottery funding and in partnership with the Goethe-Institut and the School of Film & Television, Falmouth University.
Tickets:
£10 / £8 Concs. / £5.50 Under 25 (with valid ID)
For access requirements, please visit www.filmhousecinema.com/
