To the Four Winds

During the most recent refugee crisis in Europe, the Roya Valley on the border between Italy and France is flooded by refugees and other migrants traveling to France to seek asylum. A farmer by the name of Cédric Herrou decides to offer the asylum seekers shelter and help them cross the border. He recruits volunteers and fights with the local authorities who are trying to keep the migrants out, even though his actions make his farm lose money and put his own freedom in jeopardy.

Over two years, To the Four Winds follows this activist smuggler in his attempts to ease the migrants’ plight. The result is a portrait of a group of modern heroes who want to show that Europe is more than its strict immigration policies. We see Herrou’s crowded backyard, and follow him on his journeys across the border into France or on his way to court. At the same time, the rebellious farmer talks about his motivation and experiences, with the soundtrack weaving together the action scenes and interviews.

TV5MONDE supports all French-language productions at IDFA 2018. For more French documentaries with Ducth subtitles, visit TV5MONDE.