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RAI FILM Festival takes place on 27-30 March 2025. Learn more.

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Leaving Greece

Directed by Anna Brass

2013 – 79'

Synopsis

When entering the EU for the first time, a refugee must submit an application for asylum. So much is clear. Less well known, however is the fact that for 90% of all refugees, the Aegean is the gateway to Europe. So what does this mean for Greece? Every aspect of the Greek Asylum system is so overstrained that it has effectively collapsed. No one is allowed to remain in Greece, and yet, according to the EU no one may leave. The Authorities are extremely harsh to those attempting to exit the country. ‘Leaving Greece’ tells the very personal story of three Afghan refugees: Hossein, Reza and Kaka, who have tried for years to break this vicious circle. A film about friendship – and the contradictory European refugee policy.

RAI FILM Festival 2025

The next RAI FILM Festival will take place in person from 27-30 March 2025 at the Watershed Cinema and the Arnolfini International Centre for Contemporary Arts in Bristol (UK) and online throughout the month of April 2025.