Yibril (2016)

Directed by: Jose Daniel Granados | 18 minutes | short film, drama | Actors: Gabriel Soler, Ikram Aoulad, Tom Magnus, Ignace Paepe

Art imitates life, and so the cinema is flooded with films with the theme of refugees. You can choose weekly from a wide range of documentaries or feature films. Filmmakers are far from tired of the subject – just like the Second World War – and the importance of these films is of course also great, because the problem remains urgent. José Daniel Granados has made a short film with ‘Yibril’ that takes a slightly different angle.

The Spanish street artist Gabriel works in Brussels, but it is not an easy life. His work is hindered by the police who are after him – he is not licensed. So he is constantly on his guard and has to pack his things very quickly to blend in with the crowd. No mean feat, because with a face full of make-up you stand out quite a bit. During one such moment when Gabriel is hiding from the police, he hears the ringing of a telephone. The sound comes from a garbage can and after some hesitation the young man takes the call. On the other end of the line is a fearful-sounding girl or young woman, who asks him for help. Initially, Gabriel doesn’t feel like any extra hassle and keeps the boat off. But of course he lets his heart speak and contacts the girl again. Can he help her?

The contrast between the two has been made greater by the camera work than it really is. Gabriel roams freely in the streets of Brussels, but is no more at home and safe than the imprisoned Hala. It’s easy to sympathize with both characters, but Hala’s scenes in particular break your heart, clever, because that happens without you really having her in the picture. Fascinating and gripping short film by a talented young filmmaker.