Competition - Focus

Lettres ouvertes

By Katharine Dominicé

From 1931 to 2002, Switzerland issued some six million seasonal residence permits, known as "A" permits, to immigrant workers. This status carried drastic rules. The workers were not allowed to bring their families, and their stay in Switzerland was limited to nine months per year. 
 
In a series of open letters, former seasonal workers and their children tell of the impact this system had on their lives. It remains tangible and its disclosure questions the apparent indifference of the Swiss towards these human beings who were destined to build their country while at the same time remaining invisible.

  • Section Competition - Focus
  • Original language(s) Albanian, French & Portuguese
  • Subtitle(s) English & French

MigrationSwitzerland


Director(s)
Katharine Dominicé

Texts and narration

  • Antoine Jaccoud

Production

  • Earthling Productions
  • Gena John and The Kids

Cinematographer

  • Damien Molineaux

Music

  • David Reyes

Sound

  • Mathilda Angullo
  • Bruce Wuilloud
  • Jorge Pedro Cabanelas Pereira

Editor

  • Sandrane Ducimetière
  • Daniel Gibel
Duration
61'
Year
2023
Production country
Switzerland
Status
World Premiere
Sunday 12 March

15:30

Espace Pitoëff - Théâtre

sold out - in case of cancellation, tickets will be put back on sale before the screening

In presence of the filmmaker and the protagonists of the film

Friday 17 March

12:00

HUG – Auditoire Marcel Jenny

free entrance

In presence of the filmmaker

Friday 17 March

12:00

CHUV – Auditoire Auguste Tissot

free entrance

Friday 17 March

19:00

Grütli - Salle Simon

sold out - in case of cancellation, tickets will be put back on sale before the screening