IN THIS WORLD by Michael Winterbottom (88:00 GBR 2002)

Michael Winterbottom's 'In This World' is a visually compelling and intimate look at the plight of the modern refugee.

Orphaned Afghani Jamal lives in Pakistan until he learns that his older cousin Enayatulla is being sent to London, in search of a better life. It is decided that Jamal will accompany his cousin as he speaks English, a valuable tool in the dangerous journey to the London. At first the two boys are full of optimism, but the long, arduous journey eventually begins to takes its toll.
They travel across Pakistan into Iran, but are turned back before they can make it to Teheran. Although shaken, they manage to return to Iran and finally make it across the border to Turkey. Within reach of their goal, they have only a final sea crossing until they arrive in Europe. They are loaded into a metal crate that is put onto a ship. Many in the crate suffocate during an unendurable stretch in the muggy darkness. On arrival in Trieste Jamal is one of the few survivors. Still haunted by the death of his fellow refugees he makes his way to London, adrift and alone, where he has the unenviable task of informing his uncle that his cousin has not survived the crossing.