LES SAUTEURS – THOSE WHO JUMP
Moritz Siebert, Estephan Wagner, Abou Bakar Sidibé | Morocco, Denmark 2016 | 80 Min. | OmeU
Melilla – a Spanish enclave in northern Morocco: Europe on African Land. Over a thousand hopeful African migrants live on the mountain behind the border, watching the fence system separating Morocco and Spain. Abou Bakar Sidibé from Mali is one of them – the protagonist in front of the camera, as well as the person behind it. For over a year, he has ceaselessly persisted in attempting to jump the fence.
At the fence, they have to overcome the razor-wire, automatic pepper spray and brutal authorities. After every failed attempt, they return to Mount Gurugú, scouring for food in the nearby villages, trying to uphold some sort of order in the camp and building up their confidence again. Some give up and return home, others never return from the fence. Looking through the lens, Abou gradually finds expression and meaning in his situation. “When filming I feel that I exist”. But after 16 months on the mountain, Abou is brought close to a tragic accident at the fence. Returning to Mali is not an option for him, and he becomes more determined than ever to pursue his dream of a better life in Europe. Les Sauteurs is Abou’s portrayal of the human struggle for dignity and freedom on one of the world’s most militarized frontiers.
