«Eldorado», from Giovanna to today's migrants

Cinema Wednesdays - Loris S. Musumeci

«I was counting the family members, with you, Giovanna.»

The documentary genre is not always easy to appreciate. Especially in front of the general public, on the big screen. Enthusiasts will say that the film has taught them more about a subject they were already interested in. The elite alone will strut about, recommending this or that documentary for its sublime photography, they say, or for the underlying philosophical reflection. The director of’Eldorado, Markus Imhoof thought just that at the time, when he was studying film.

Nevertheless, he has made a large number of documentary films. This latest one, in particular, really appeals to a wide audience. Firstly, because of its theme: migration, which is covered at length every day in the newspapers. Secondly, through his approach. Simple, personal, free. Eldorado can do without political judgments. There are no right things to do, and no wrong things to avoid. There are actions that take place, for or against migrants, and Markus Imhoof films them.

On the «Mare Nostrum» operation boat, the camera focuses on one black, frightened face, then on another, on two women consoling each other, on two men helping each other, on the golden piece of a rescue blanket. And the explanations and comments of the NCOs, nurses and crew. The director also achieves a stroke of genius by showing not only the migrants' humanity, but also that of the crew members, who laugh with each other, take part in mass and devote themselves to brothers and sisters from the other side of the Mediterranean.

Finally, Markus Imhoof, without complacency or awkwardness, blends an essential part of his story into his documentary. The scenes are punctuated by drawings, letters and family photographs. They tell the story of a little Italian girl, Giovanna Viganò, orphaned by her father. She shared part of her childhood with the Imhoofs. Markus was crazy about her. And this can be felt in a few images, scrolling between a boat and a camp, to pay homage to this young girl, whose destiny is shared by all those who were born somewhere, who left, who kept silent, who closed their eyes.

«We're not promising you heaven, but every day will be better from now on.»

Write to the author : loris.musumeci@leregardlibre.com

Photo credit: © Frenetic Films