LES SAUTEURS

THOSE WHO JUMP

By Moritz SIEBERT, Estephan WAGNER, Abou Bakar SIDIBÉ

ARSENAL - INSTITUT FÜR FILM UND VIDEOKUNST - as DISTR Theatrical, GERMANY

First film - Completed 2016

For over a year, Abou and thousands of migrants have attempted to jump the fence between Morocco and Spain.
Behind the camera himself, Abou portrays their struggle for freedom and dignity.

By the producers of Academy Award Nominees THE LOOK OF SILENCE and THE ACT OF KILLING

Festivals
& Awards

Berlinale - EFM 2016
Forum
Hong-Kong Filmart 2016
Documentary Competition
True False Festival 2016
Crossing Europe 2016
Documentary Competition
    • Year of production
    • 2016
    • Genres
    • First film, True Story, Documentary
    • Countries
    • DENMARK
    • Languages
    • FRENCH, BAMBARA
    • Duration
    • 82 mn
    • Director(s)
    • Moritz SIEBERT, Estephan WAGNER, Abou Bakar SIDIBÉ
    • Producer(s)
    • Heidi Elise CHRISTENSEN (FINAL CUT FOR REAL), Signe Byrge SORENSEN (FINAL CUT FOR REAL), Christina ROSENDAHL (DANISH FILM INSTITUTE), Mette HOFFMANN MEYER (DR)
    • 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, the other important and terrifying entity of the Film, 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.

      THOSE WHO JUMP, ultimately a film about making a Film, is Abou's portrayal of the human struggle for dignity and freedom on one of the World's most militarized frontiers.