Those Who Go Those Who Stay

This 75-minute documentary presents an intentionally unintentional gaze, focusing on chance encounters that reveal the complexities of human experience. Ruth Beckermann follows various threads through the lives of Nigerian asylum seekers in Sicily, an Arab musician in Galilee, and nationalists in Vienna, among others. The film features compelling imagery, such as a tomcat with numerous offspring and veiled young women attempting to navigate a busy road in Alexandria.

Textiles and threads serve as recurring motifs, symbolizing the connections between individuals and the broader themes of movement and seeking refuge. The film's unique approach invites viewers to reflect on the stories that shape our world, making it a noteworthy entry in the documentary genre. Collectors of documentaries will appreciate its artistic exploration of diverse narratives and cultures, which are woven together in a rich tapestry of human experience.