A documentary on migration, with an emphasis on Malta, will be premiered in the coming days.

The Stepping Forward project focuses on the human aspect of migration. Three life stories are presented to confront the viewer with questions like: What would we do in their position? Which option would we choose if our home country was not a place of peace, security and human dignity?

The project came into fruition after Casjen Ennen and Benjamin Wiedenbruch, two young filmmakers, approached anthropologist Ulrike Kuebler, who had studied migration in the European context, carrying out a fieldwork in Malta in 2010.

“While working on the documentary we became aware that the European system of asylum has a strong and direct impact on the everyday lives of asylum seekers,” Ms Kuebler said.

“In 2015 we realise that very little has been changed in the context of asylum within European member states. What has changed is that the challenge has arrived all over Europe and that European leaders can no longer turn a blind eye to the issue. They have to come up with changes that make human rights a priority and live up to the commitment to give refuge to those fleeing from persecution.”

Stepping forward portrays a nation in a state of limbo – offering refuge and temporary protection to those fleeing from war-ridden home-states and yet refusing to work on a long-term solution.

While Malta opposes the integration process of its newcomers, many have already started to build their lives and fight for their rights. The documentary shows different perspectives and strategies on the way to deal with the situation of migration within the EU.

The documentary will be shown tomorrow (December 9) at MCVS Valletta Volunteer Centre, Melita Street, Valletta at 8pm (organised by OFD and SPARK15); on Thursday at Fortress Builders Valletta at 8pm (with the support of Aditus Foundation and Integra Foundation); and on Friday at University (organised by KOPIN) at 10am.

9th - MCVS Valletta Volunteer Centre Melita Street

10th - Fortress Builders Valletta