by Karim Sayad, Switzerland, 2023, 77’
Agadez in Niger has been a longtime departure point for human traffickers transporting migrants across the desert toward Libya. Under Europe’s pressure, the Niger government has been fighting this traffic, but the local economy offers few alternatives. Those who give up smuggling usually end up in gold mining. A former smuggler now transports supplies to gold miners in the desert. “As soon as you find gold, it changes you. You are no longer friends and it’s every man for himself.” The beauty of the desert is also filmed along with the resilience of its inhabitants who, like the bean plant grown by one of the miners, manage to survive in this harsh and hostile environment.
Watch the trailer
Live screening: Wednesday 6 November, 6 p.m., Cineteatro Baretti
Introduced and commented by: Giacomo Zandonini (journalist) and Andrea Borgarello (photographer)
