Green Border
Original Title:
Zielona Granica
Duration:
147 minutes
Country:
Poland
Language:
Polish, Arabic, French, English with English Subtitles
Director(s):
Agnieszka Holland
Deep within a vast expanse of cramped, swampy forest lies the border between Poland and Belarus–in other words, the border between the still-developing world and the European Union which many outside have come to see as a promised land. Green Border tells an all-too-familiar story of many Middle Eastern and African refugees trapped on both sides of the fence, having been falsely promised an easy passage across. The lives of Julia, Jan, a border guard, and a close-knit Syrian family all come to intertwine in this riveting conundrum of human rights. And despite avoiding any heavy-handedness, Green Border is painfully relevant in America today–especially in 2024, an election year in which immigration will assuredly become a hot-button political issue.
Quote:
“A gripping account of the inhumanity and depravity that ensues when those fleeing persecution are made political pawns.”
Jessica Kiang (Variety, 2023)
Awards:
+ Chicago International Film Festival: Audience Choice Award
+ Palm Springs International Film Festival: Bridging the Borders Award
+ Association of Polish Filmmakers Critics Awards: Golden Reel Award
+ Venice Film Festival: Arca Cinema Giovani Award
Presented By:
Heinz College DICE, JFCS Pittsburgh
Sponsored By:
Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in New York, The Polish Culture Club at Pitt, University of Pittsburgh Slavic Languages and Literatures, Polish Falcons of America, Kosciuszko Foundation
Director Bio
Agnieszka Holland boasts an impressive collection of films, many which gained her international recognition and awards. She graduated from the Prague film and TV, and created many successful political films, which resulted in her exile by declaration of martial law. Her continued creative works solidified her success in moving and meaningful films that gained international recognition, such as Europa Europa which awarded her a Golden Globe. Her latest film, Green Border, is an intense and powerful film that critiques the injustice and terror refugees face on the Polish-Belarusian border. Green Border has been a highly awarded film, with the Golden Reel Award and Bridging Borders Award some of the many prestigious awards. Her films continue to stir public opinion, and leave viewers with a moving story to consider.