Transversal Area


  2026, 90 Minuten, Darija/Spanish/French with English Subtitles

Those Who Burn the Borders – A Film Night on Harraga

Harraga comes from the Maghrebi Arabic meaning “to burn”. It refers to those, mainly from North Africa, who cross borders without authorization, without a visa, without passports. In this act, there is a revolt: rejecting an imposed future, claiming freedom of movement, leaving without waiting for permission.

Through a series of film screenings and video contributions, the evening brings together different perspectives on Harraga and the ongoing struggles in Ceuta. Alongside "Those Who Burn the Borders (Part I)", an independent documentary by IFLIS, produced by Cadre Cagoule, we will share short video excerpts offering glimpses into realities of violence and resistance. All films trace journeys shaped by repression and solidarity, where pain meets hope and arrival does not necessarily mean freedom. Together, they form a counter-narrative to humanitarian and colonial representations of migration, affirming movement itself as a political act.

The filmmakers will be present for a collective discussion and updates on recent events in Ceuta.

Organized by the Transversal Area, Department of Social Anthropology and Cultural Studies, University of Bern.

Moderation: Charlie Naab & Dr. Maya Ober