Borders, Mobility, and their Human Impact

Short film programme on the Prinzessin Marie-Astrid Europa

Five short films explore the human impact of borders, migration and restricted freedom of movement as part of the film programme Borders, Mobility, and their Human Impact.

Although produced in different countries and at different times, the films share a common question: What do borders mean for people who seek to cross them, are prevented from doing so, or find themselves caught between different political and social systems?

Through this programme, the Schengen Museum aims to open up different perspectives on these issues and give a voice to filmmakers from diverse backgrounds and with different experiences.

BORDER CONVERSATIONS

Directed by Jonathan Brunner | Germany, 2022 | 30 min

In November 2021, thousands of people attempt to enter the EU across the border between Belarus and Poland. Two Polish activists receive daily calls for help and try to support people in the border region. The film explores the limits of humanitarian aid and the experience of helplessness. Border Conversations received awards at DOK Leipzig and DOK.fest Munich, among other distinctions.

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INVISIBLE BORDER

Directed by Mark Gerstorfer | Austria, 2022 | 27 min

A deportation in Vienna escalates. Police officers Nancy and Albert, together with a police unit, are tasked with removing an Albanian family without a valid residence permit from their apartment. The film confronts those involved with a situation that leaves traumatic consequences for everyone. Invisible Border received the Student Academy Award Gold Medal and the Austrian Film Award for Best Short Film.

PLAY SCHENGEN

Directed by Gunhild Enger | Norway, 2020 | 14 min

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Two game designers develop a video game for children intended to explain the European Union and the Schengen system. Players take on the role of a national bird that may only fly across borders according to its visa. With humour and absurdity, the film asks whether the complexity and inequalities of borders can really be translated into a children's game.

BON VOYAGE

Directed by Marc Raymond Wilkins | Switzerland, Turkey, 2016 | 21 min

A Swiss sailing yacht discovers a disabled refugee boat in the Mediterranean. When some of the refugees manage to come aboard, the situation spirals out of control. The multiple award-winning short film received, among other distinctions, the Swiss Film Award for Best Short Film and a Jury Award at the Palm Springs International ShortFest. It was also shortlisted for the 89th Academy Awards.

AN ORANGE FROM JAFFA

Directed by Mohammed Almughanni | Palestine, Poland, France, 2024 | 27 min

Mohammed, a young Palestinian, attempts to cross an Israeli checkpoint using a temporary Polish residence card. After several drivers refuse to take him, a taxi driver offers him a ride. But when Israeli soldiers discover that Mohammed has already tried unsuccessfully to cross the checkpoint, the situation quickly escalates.

The film has received numerous international awards, including the Grand Prix at the Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival, Best European Short Film at the Krakow Film Festival and the Louis Le Prince Award at the Leeds International Film Festival. An Orange from Jaffa was also shortlisted for the 2025 Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film.

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