since 2014, over 20 000 people have died crossing the Mediterranean sea as well as the EVROS RIVER ALONG THE land border between Turkey and Greece. Most were found without documents, which makes identification extremely difficult if not impossible. “EVEN AFTER DEATH”, OUR FIRST FEATURE FILM, presents the problem as handled by coroners and forensic experts in different parts of Greece, and the movement to develop an internationally recognized system of human rights even after death.
The film takes viewers on a journey to marked and unmarked graves around Greece where refugees have been buried since the beginning of the crisis, and explains how difficult it is to find a family member who has died while crossing to Europe whether in a morgue or a cemetery. Through the story of Fereshta, an Afghan woman who survived a deadly shipwreck, “EVEN AFTER DEATH” portrays the situation thousands of refugees face who have lost their loved ones while trying to cross to Europe. The film focuses on an under-reported issue of the identification of refugee bodies, DNA collection, culturally appropriate funerals and systematic identification of personal effects and grave-marking.
The film was conceptualized, written and filmed by refugees who survived the Mediterranean crossing, and felt compelled to tell their collective story. “EVEN AFTER DEATH” was a co-production of ReFOCUS Media Labs and Minority rights group international. The film was also financially supported by the european union, and serves as proof of mission for Refocus with the film conceptualized and filmed with our own advanced filmmaking students. Directed by our cofounder Douglas F Herman, and one our first students- Said Reza Hossini Adib, the film also features an original score by rising star american composer Eamon Kelly.
”EVEN AFTER DEATH” WAS AN OFFICIAL SELECTION AND SLATED FOR A WORLD PREMIERE AT THE 2020 MOVIES THAT MATTER FESTIVAL (DEN HAAG, NETHERLANDS). SADLY, THE COVID-19 CRISIS IN EUROPE FORCED FESTIVAL ORGANIZERS TO POSTPONE THE FESTIVAL AND THE PREMIERE. BUT VERY SOON THE FILM WILL HIT THE FESTIVAL CIRCUIT IN 2020-2021, SO STAY TUNED TO OUR SOCIAL MEDIA @REFOCUSMEDIALABS FOR UPDATES ON OFFICIAL FESTIVAL SCREENINGS AND SPECIAL EVENTS.
ALL REQUESTS FOR PRESS AND FEstival inclusion can be made directly on our contact page
“EVEN AFTER DEATH” FEATURE DOCUMENTARY, 2020- OFFICIAL TRAILER #1
“EVEN AFTER DEATH” FEATURE DOCUMENTARY, 2020- OFFICIAL TRAILER #2
THE MAKING OF “EVEN AFTER DEATH” BEHIND THE SCENES
