By Sara Creta

Libya, no escape from hell

This documentary centers on Libya’s detention centers, where refugees endure dire conditions, waiting for their fate to be decided by militias, Europe, or the UN. Officially under government control, these centers are actually run by militias profiting from migrants. The film examines the detention system, militia control, and the associated trafficking. It criticizes the EU for funding the system yet avoiding responsibility, questioning the need for change and potential solutions. The Libyan civil war has diminished Western influence, revealing EU divisions and enabling non-Western powers to step in. Europe’s flawed policy empowers Libyan Coast Guards to forcibly return migrants to a fragmented Libya, plagued by political factions and militias.

Country : Libya
Original languages : English, Arabic
Director
Sara Creta (Italy)
Producers
Marc Berdugo (France)
Barbara Conforti (France)
Magneto Presse
Duration
60'
Production status
Completed
Completion
June 2021
Impact Statement
This documentary highlights the human stories behind Mediterranean migration, transcending mere statistics and images. It's aimed at EU policymakers, to spark awareness and action. The strategy includes petitions, social media campaigns endorsed by public figures, and extensive film sharing. NGOs play a crucial role, using their networks to enhance the film's impact and organizing screenings at influential institutions like the UN and European Parliament. This ensures decision makers are exposed to migrant testimonials, preventing them from claiming ignorance and enabling informed policy decisions. This effort is vital for bringing tangible change to migration policies.