By Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Africanews
Published on 2024-01-18 12:37:39
Director Stéphane Marchetti’s latest film, “La Tête froide” (or “Winter Crossing” in English), offers a fresh perspective on the treacherous journeys of migrants attempting to reach Europe. The story follows Marie, a French small-time cigarette smuggler, and Souleymane, a young African man hoping to reach England. When Marie encounters Souleymane at the border between Italy and France, she becomes entangled in a dangerous mission.
This film marks Marchetti’s first foray into fiction after working as a documentarist focusing on issues in Gaza and migrants in Calais. He believes that fiction allows for the portrayal of the unique stories of individuals, rather than viewing migrants as an anonymous, invisible mass. Marchetti’s background in documentary filmmaking attracted actor Florence Loiret Caille to the project, as it allowed for a deeper exploration of the faces and stories behind the figures. The film aims to showcase the complexity and ambiguity of the characters, rather than presenting a simplistic portrayal of a kind French woman helping a nice migrant.
Actor Saabo Balde, who portrays Souleymane, collaborated with Marchetti to create a nuanced portrayal of his character. The film has recently been released in French cinemas, offering a thought-provoking and compassionate exploration of the migrant experience. Through “La Tête froide,” Marchetti and his team shed light on the personal identities, dreams, hopes, and doubts of migrants, challenging the media’s tendency to depict them as a homogenous and faceless group.
