Those Who Jump

Synopsis

In northern Morocco, lies the Spanish enclave of Melilla: Europe on African Land. On the mountain above, live over a thousand hopeful African migrants, watching the fence separating Morocco and Spain. Abou 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 attempted 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. 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 close to a tragic accident. 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.

Director Biography

MORITZ SIEBERT, born in 1973, is a German documentary filmmaker. He studied in Great Britain. Those Who Jump is his second feature-length film. ESTEPHAN WAGNER, born in Chile in 1976, has edited numerous feature films and documentaries. He earned a master’s degree in documentary filmmaking in Great Britain. Those Who Jump is his first feature-length film. ABOU BAKAR SIDIBÉ, born in Mali in 1985, holds a university degree in English. Those Who Jump is his first film. It premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival in 2016.