“Obscure Night – Goodbye here, anywhere” (Nuit obscure – Au rétori ici, n’importe où), Interview with director Sylvain George at Locarno Film Festival

In an intimate conversation with Sylvain George, the visionary filmmaker behind “Obscure Night – Goodbye here, anywhere” (Nuit obscure – Au rétori ici, n’importe où), we are offered a profound insight into his captivating work. George’s film delves deep into the heart of migrant experiences, intertwining the political and the poetic to create a compelling narrative that resonates on both intellectual and emotional levels.

George’s arrival in Melilla

George’s connection with Melilla, the Spanish enclave situated at the crossroads of migration, dates back to 2006. A nascent filmmaker at the time, George found himself drawn to the poignant complexities surrounding European migration policies. Melilla’s unique geographical position, bordering Morocco and Europe, elevated it to a crucial stage for testing these policies. For George, it was an arena where the practical implementation of migration-related measures converged with the broader political discourse.

A glimpse into migrant lives

“Obscure Night – Goodbye here, anywhere” introduces audiences to a lesser-seen aspect of migration – the lives of minors and homeless migrants. Within the grim backdrop of societal neglect and cultural destitution, George recognizes the persistence of hope. The film portrays these individuals as beacons, both “detectors” and “sentinels,” revealing the potential for alternate worlds. Their audacious acts, symbolized by boundary-crossing and language-inventing, challenge the norms that confine them.

Impact on filmmaking

Engaging with these marginalized individuals transformed George’s perspective on filmmaking. The responsibility of conveying their stories with the required political and poetic weight was profound. While his ethical and political compass had always guided his artistic endeavors, the intimate interactions with these youths fueled a deeper commitment to truth-telling. George’s exploration extended beyond the confines of a documentary lens; it became a conduit for giving voice to the dispossessed and bringing forth the beauty hidden within adversity.

A cinematic journey

As we immerse ourselves in Sylvain George’s profound exploration of migrant lives through “Obscure Night – Goodbye here, anywhere”, the film becomes a canvas for the tales of the marginalized, the seekers of a better life. George’s journey through Melilla opens up a window to the struggles, aspirations, and resilience of those often forgotten by society. His narrative, marked by poetic sensibility and political consciousness, transcends mere cinema, inviting us to confront the realities faced by the dispossessed and to appreciate the beauty that arises even in the harshest of circumstances.