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Synopsis

 

According to estimates by the International Labour Organization, around 28 million people worldwide live in working conditions that are considered modern slavery. The working conditions of the harvest workers in Huelva, Spain, who pick berries worth around one billion euros for the European market every year, are also similar. Around half of this work is done by migrants from Eastern Europe, Africa and Latin America. 50,000 individual fates that have one thing in common: They have left their homeland for a better life. Their everyday lives are characterised by inhumane working conditions, precarious housing situations, a lack of healthcare and a lack of prospects. The film portrays several migrant workers in their everyday lives in Huelva. At the same time, a Swiss researcher investigates the working conditions and the health consequences of these living situations. Her interviews with representatives from trade unions, journalism, politics and academia show that there are no easy solutions: However, social and ecological changes are urgently needed for sustainable and humane berry production. Spain, the EU, the importing countries and the major distributors must fulfil their responsibilities so that the berries do not leave a bitter aftertaste.

Production

Filmerei GmbH

In collaboration with

Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung

Written & directed by

Sven Rufer

Produced by

Sven Rufer
Kaja Leonie Ramseier
Luzius Müller

Camera

Sven Rufer
Salvatore Di Pino

Sound

Inés Parish
Sven Rufer

Edited by

Kaja Leonie Ramseier

Music

Luzius Müller

Contextual consulting
Assistance on site

Nora Komposch

theinvisible@filmerei.ch

 

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