Green Border (M)

In the treacherous and swampy forests that make up the so called “green border” between Belarus and Poland, refugees from the Middle East and Africa trying to reach the European Union are trapped in a geopolitical crisis cynically engineered by Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko.

In an attempt to provoke Europe, refugees are lured to the border by propaganda promising easy passage to the EU. Pawns in this hidden war, the lives of Julia, a newly minted activist who has given up her comfortable life, Jan, a young border guard, and a Syrian family intertwine.

Thirty years after Europa Europa, three-time Oscar Nominee Agnieszka Holland’s poignant new feature Green Border opens our eyes, speaks to the heart, and challenges us to reflect on the moral choices that fall to ordinary people every day.

Awarded the Special Jury Prize at the 80th-annual Venice International Film Festival.

Cast: Agata Kulesza, Piotr Stramowski, Behi Djanati Atai, Tomasz Wlosok, Magdalena Poplawska, Maciej Stuhr, Maja Ostaszewska, Jalal Al Tawil, Jaśmina Polak, Marta Stalmierska, Mohamed Al Rashi, Jan Aleksandrowicz-Krasko, Dalia Naous, Roman Skorovskiy

Director: Agnieszka Holland

★★★★★ "an incredible ensemble work that will remain in the memory long after viewing." EVENING STANDARD

★★★★★ "Green Border is not devoid of lighthearted and even humorous moments... but what lingers most in the film is a sense that these vibrant lives are diverted and destroyed through no fault of their own." SKINNY

★★★★★ "A tough, brilliant spotlight on the lot of refugees from Poland's veteran, venerable Agnieszka Holland" ARTS DESK

★★★★ "the best and most important film to be released in the U.S. so far this year." ROBEREBERT.COM

★★★★ "Green Border is a tough watch: a punch to the solar plexus. But a vital bearing of cinematic witness to what is happening in Europe right now." GUARDIAN

★★★★★ "Green Border leaves us with a slight chink of optimism... It’s a hopeful coda to a stunning, harrowing film" TIME OUT