Undocumented men find each other in Arbi’s safe hands as a barber. Friendships are formed. The men live with their lives on hold, but must remain vigilant: their lives could change at any moment.
While Arbi cuts their hair, undocumented men find each other. It gives them a place where they can talk openly about life. Out of necessity, the men live their lives in the Netherlands out of a suitcase. They know that great happiness only comes in very small doses. This documentary debut shows how the men, balancing between connectedness and loneliness, and being on hold. Friendships form quickly, are temporary, but feel like they will last forever. Because you need each other, when everything changes in an instant. Especially in a country where you are not officially allowed to be.
Credits
Director: Myrthel van der Ploeg
Producer: Mathijs Jorritsma
Camera: Rogier Timmermans, NSC
Editor: Samantha Groesbeek
Colour grading: Remi Lindenhovius
Set sound: Sander den Broeder
Sound Design: Diego van Uden
Production company: VPRO
Broadcaster: VPRO