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Only 40 km from Calais – and the now dismantled “Jungle” - lies the small city of Grande-Synthe. In March 2016, the mayor, Damien Carême, opened a humanitarian camp for 2,500 refugees - in direct opposition to the government. Together with two NGO, they hoped that this new type of open and humane camp would become an example…
Architect Cyrille Hanappe, specialising in major risk architecture, promptly offered his expertise. What if the camp became an extension of the city? History has shown that many shantytowns around the world eventually became urban neighbourhoods. However, his concept of utopian architecture soon met with harsh realities on the ground.
Over a period of 18 months, the film follows this 'experiment’ in all its complexity, with its hopes and dead ends. The film questions everyone’s role in dealing with the arrival of refugees so that it might lead to new visions for long-term policies.
THE PRESS:
"With its many poignant scenes and first-hand testimonies, this documentary shows the reality of migrants' reception in France .... The commitment and humanity of both, the mayor and the Parisian architect are just remarkable..." (Télé-Loisir, juillet 2018)
Festivals and Awards:
* 2019 : Festival de Douarnenez (France),official selection in the category "Grand cru Bretagne 2019"
* 2019 : Festival Le Grand Bivouac – Albertville (France) – official selection
* 2018: FIGRA, official selection in the category « DOCS EN REGION ».