EXCLUSIVE: Trailer and poster for IDFA Frontlight title 2G
- Karim Sayad’s documentary follows four former smugglers who struggle to make a living after Niger’s ban on migrant transportation
The Swiss-Lebanese documentary 2G [+see also:
film review
trailer
film profile] is set to world-premiere in the Frontlight strand of this year’s International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA, 8-19 November). The picture, helmed by Karim Sayad, unfolds in Agadez in 2021 and zooms in on four former smugglers who struggle to make a living after the ban on unlawful migrant transportation by the Niger government. Facing a lack of prospects, Ibrahim, Abdelsalam, Daouda and El Bak embark on a journey through the Sahara to join dozens of gold diggers lost in the middle of the desert. Between hopes and disillusions, these men fight to survive in an increasingly hostile and unstable environment.
The documentary is being sold worldwide by Prague-based outfit Filmotor. Speaking about the project, the company’s CEO, Michaela Cajkova, told Cineuropa: “We are very happy to be able to represent the film 2G in our catalogue. It’s our second collaboration with Karim Sayad, as we also worked on his second feature, 2019’s My English Cousin [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Karim Sayad
film profile].
“IDFA is a great venue for the world premiere of this documentary, which offers a unique insight into the lives of ex-smugglers in Niger. The film will present a new perspective on the migration crisis – this time from the point of view of former smugglers. The film was shot in quite a dangerous zone, and the crew was escorted by a lot of soldiers during filming.”
2G is a Swiss-Lebanese co-production staged by Close Up Films, SRG SSR, and RTS - Radio Télévision Suisse. AFAC and the Doha Film Institute backed the film.
Check out our exclusive trailer and poster below:
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