Watch Evaporating Borders

Evaporating Borders is a 2014 documentary film directed by Iva Radivojevic. The film takes a closer look at the island of Cyprus, which is situated at the eastern end of the Mediterranean Sea and has become a popular destination for migrants and refugees from various parts of the world. The film delves into the complex and contentious issues of identity, belonging and displacement that are inherent in the island's history and contemporary socio-political context.

The film opens with a quote by Zygmunt Bauman, one of the foremost philosophers of the 20th century, which sets the tone for the rest of the film. The quote reads, "To be a stranger is a condition, not a destination." This quote captures the essence of the film, which is all about exploring the experiences, emotions and challenges faced by people who live in a state of perpetual displacement.

The film is structured as a series of vignettes, each of which explores a different aspect of life on the island, from the perspectives of both locals and migrants. The vignettes are loosely connected and do not follow a linear narrative, which gives the film a dreamlike quality that is both engaging and disorienting.

Throughout the film, Radivojevic adopts a highly personal and subjective approach to her subject matter. She uses her own experiences as a migrant living in the United States to frame her analysis of the lives of the people she interviews. This approach gives the film a sense of intimacy and sincerity that is rare in documentaries on this subject matter.

One of the key themes that emerges through the film is the way in which borders, both physical and psychological, shape the lives of the people who live on the island. The film shows how physical borders, such as the Green Line that separates the Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities, create tensions and reinforce divisions between different groups of people. It also highlights how psychological borders, such as fear of the unknown or prejudice towards others who are perceived as different, can be just as powerful in shaping people's experiences and identities.

Another theme that the film explores is the way in which migrants and refugees negotiate their place in a new society. The film shows how difficult it can be for migrants to integrate into a new community, especially one that is already divided along ethnic or religious lines. It highlights the challenges faced by young immigrants who are often caught between two cultures and struggle to find a place where they can belong.

One of the most powerful aspects of the film is the way in which it humanises the people who are often seen as statistics in news reports or political speeches. Radivojevic's approach, which is characterised by empathy and compassion, allows the people she interviews to tell their own stories in their own words. This approach gives a voice to people whose experiences are often silenced or ignored.

Overall, Evaporating Borders is a compelling and thought-provoking film that tackles one of the most pressing issues of our time. It is a film that is both beautiful and haunting, and which leaves a lasting impression on the viewer. Through her personal and compassionate approach, Radivojevic has given us a film that opens up new perspectives on the complex realities of migration and displacement.