Where Does Europe End? is a documentary about refugees stuck at Europe’s borders and the reality of pushbacks, violence, and uncertainty they face every day.
I made this film together with photographer Eddy van Wessel. Our goal was to document what life looks like for young people who are trying to enter Europe and are repeatedly sent back, often with force. Many of them have already fled war or extreme poverty, only to find themselves trapped in border zones with no clear future.
We worked in remote border areas, often at night. We followed people crossing forests and fields, stayed in hidden shelters, and spent time in abandoned buildings where refugees wait for their next attempt. Access was limited, conditions were difficult, and safety was never guaranteed.
I filmed with a Panasonic Lumix S1H and Leica M lenses. I chose this compact setup to stay mobile and work discreetly. In these situations, it is important not to draw attention or disturb people who are already under pressure. The equipment allowed me to stay close and document moments as they happened.
Eddy van Wessel focused on still photography, capturing key moments and portraits. While he documented individual stories in images, I focused on movement, conversations, and daily life on film. Together, we tried to show both the bigger picture and the personal impact of border policies.
During filming, we met many young refugees who had experienced violence during pushbacks. Some showed injuries. Others told us about phones being destroyed, money taken, or being left in remote areas after being forced back. These stories were repeated again and again by different people in different places.
At the same time, we also saw strong solidarity among refugees. People shared food, information, and support. Even after multiple failed attempts, many kept trying because returning home was not an option.
Making this film was emotionally demanding. As a filmmaker, you constantly balance between documenting and respecting personal boundaries. Trust was essential. Many people agreed to be filmed because they wanted their situation to be seen and understood.
Where Does Europe End? is not only about borders or migration policy. It is about the real consequences of those policies on individual lives. The film aims to give context to the headlines and show what “pushbacks” and “border control” mean in practice.
With this documentary, Eddy and I hope to contribute to a more informed and honest discussion about migration in Europe, based on direct observation and first-hand stories.
