25/03/2003

“The system discriminates between political refugees, who are given asylum, and people fleeing poverty, who are not given any guarantees at all.” That, according to British director Michael Winterbottom is at the heart of the refugee problem. Winterbottom was speaking at the Rome press conference for his latest film, In This World, winner of the Golden Bear award at the last Berlinale. The film is about two young Afghanis’ attempts to reach Britain and safety and will be distributed by Mikado on 4 Aprile.
“The refugee problem is not new to Great Britain but it got worse after the last general election,” said the director. “In order to win, each political party promised to make the refugees’ lives in Europe hell on earth and thus encourage them to return to their countries of origin.”