Between Fences

Between Fences is a provocative, thoughtful Israeli documentary directed by the acclaimed filmmaker, Avi Mograbi. The film showcases the journey of African refugees who find themselves indefinitely detained in a desert detention facility. The refugees, primarily hailing from Sudan and Eritrea, risked their lives migrating to Israel only to end up in the Holot detention center in a desolate part of the Negev desert. With the central characters Awet Asheber, Atish Asefaha, and Adam Arbab playing themselves, the movie documents their experiences and survival struggles amidst the harsh realities of the immigration system.

The film delves into the broader issues of forced migration, asylum, and national borders, building a tremendous sense of empathy for the detained. Between Fences uses potent storytelling and dramatic reconstructions to focus on the human angle of immigration rather than the political aspects.

Awet Asheber, Atish Asefaha, and Adam Arbab, the leading protagonists, are inmates of the deportation center who portray themselves in the film. The film doesn't only depict the stories of a few refugees, but also their collective struggles and disappointments. The interactions between the trio, their camaraderie, their shared dreams, and their struggle for freedom become the central narrative thread of the movie.

Mograbi uses a unique blend of film styles in Between Fences. With the Holocaust stage plays conducted by theatre director and dramaturgist Chen Alon, the biographical nature of the film is interspersed with theatrical elements, adding a fresh perspective to the narrative flow. These drama workshops act as therapeutic sessions, providing the inmates with an opportunity to voice their experiences, fears, and dreams.

This transformative process also forms a crucial element of the film, providing a therapeutic release for the refugees. It offers them an outlet to express their inner turmoil and anguish, expelling their pent-up emotions through the creative process. These scenes are incredibly poignant, offering a brief respite from the bleak reality of their situation.

Despite the tragic circumstances, there are joyful moments and humorous exchanges that highlight the resilience of the human spirit. The characters' drive to maintain their dignity despite the harsh surroundings teaches us about endurance and the indomitable will to survive. Their stories are not just narratives of despair; they are also stories of resistance and hope.

Visually, Between Fences is striking, utilizing the stark, barren landscape of the Negev Desert to symbolize the isolation and despair experienced by the refugees. The desert's vastness and the detention facility's desolate location amplify the sense of displacement, constant danger, and uncertainty. However, even in these limiting circumstances, Mograbi manages to find beauty in small details, such as birds taking flight, symbolizing hope and the innate human longing for freedom.

Mograbi’s dedication to the cause is seen in his unfiltered, humanistic portrayal of the detainees. His in-depth investigation and presenting of the raw realities of the African refugees mark Between Fences as a tribute to human resilience. It is a profound and dignified response to one of the most pressing issues facing the world today.

Altogether, Between Fences underscores a poignant narrative about asylum seekers' journey with a fervent call to humanity to rise above prejudices, snobberies, misunderstandings, and geographic barriers. It highlights the fortitude of human character in the face of dire circumstances.

Between Fences should be lauded for its exceptional narrative flair and its striking depiction of an urgent problem. Although it sheds light on the bitter truths of geopolitical borders and the human cost of immigration policies, at its core, it remains a potent and heartfelt examination of the human spirit's resilience and the universal quest for a better life.