Between Borders
A programme of National Film and Television School documentary films connected by the theme of migration and identity, curated from our collection by Jaymini Mistry.
Haryun Kim contemplating Becoming British (2007) by Kate ReidNational Film and Television School
These stories deal with a person's inner conflict with their past and present, depicting how historical events have changed their lives forever.
My Brother My Enemy 2005
In August 1947, India gained independence from the British Raj and partitioned into two independent nations, India and Pakistan.
Masood Khan sees Delhi (2005) by Kamaljeet NegiNational Film and Television School
Since gaining independence, the relationship between the two countries have been complex and strained. Two filmmakers, Masood Khan, a Pakistani, and Kamaljeet Negi, an Indian, visit each other's homelands for the first time during the Indian cricket team's first tour of Pakistan.
Kamaljeet Negi (2005) by Masood KhanNational Film and Television School
The documentary depicts the two journeys they undertake, meeting one another’s family, revealing old memories, and existing mind-sets of hatred between the two countries. The two filmmakers hope that with their generation, the tension between the two countries will reduce.
A Stone on my Heart (1996)
After living away from her family in England for fourteen years, Preeya Lal, a young filmmaker, returns to India for her younger brother’s arranged marriage. A Stone On My Heart is a personal documentary about a young woman questioning her cultural identity and her relationship between England and India.
Preeya's Mother in A Stone on My Heart (1996) by Preeya LalNational Film and Television School
As wedding processions proceed, Preeya discovers that her parents have plans and expectations for her future and Preeya must come to terms with her inability to fulfil her parent’s expectations.
Preeya and her Aunt at a Ceremony in A Stone on My Heart (1996) by Preeya LalNational Film and Television School
The documentary explores the effects of migration and change, and the difficulty of balancing the freedom she has in England with the traditional and societal expectations placed upon her by her parents.
Becoming British (2007)
Haryun Kim, a Korean filmmaker who has been considering whether to become a British citizen, investigates why people from different parts of the world have decided to make Britain their home.
Lita in Becoming British (2007) by Kate ReidNational Film and Television School
This documentary explores how these people live their daily lives within British society with and without family, and what it means for them to become a British citizen.
Darcy attends the ceremony in Becoming British (2007) by Kate ReidNational Film and Television School
The film provides an insight into the ritualistic ceremony people have to undertake to become a British citizen, a bizarre ceremony no British citizen by birth would have to experience.
Zweifel (Doubt) (2006)
Zweifel looks at the fragments of Socialist East Germany by taking a surrealist approach, telling the story through a double of the ex-president, Erich Honecker, two ex-border guards, and a man with a dream of rebuilding his own version of the GDR.
Zweifel - a still from the film, 4 of 5 (2006) by Lenka ClaytonNational Film and Television School
The ex-border guards, one from the East, and one from the West, photographed each other over the fence for 18 years, while the man with the dream of rebuilding his own version of the GDR reminisces of what could have been.
Zweifel - a still from the film, 5 of 5 (2006) by Lenka ClaytonNational Film and Television School
The film offers a complex insight into the confused aftermath of a vanished country and the persisting division that was endured, exploring the desolated, empty environment made of fragmented residual of history.
Safar (The Journey) (2001)
Safar is a short documentary film about the Asian diaspora and the effects of immigration. Filmmaker, Sandhya Suri used audio reels and Super 8 films sent between India and England over a period of almost 40 years.
Safar still - a still from the film, 3 of 5 (2001) by Sandhya SuriNational Film and Television School
The story focuses on immigration and the guilt and regret that come with leaving your country, but also the guilt of enjoying your new life over your old life.
Safar still - a still from the film, 4 of 5 (2001) by Sandhya SuriNational Film and Television School
It was important to Sandhya Suri that she told her family's story honestly by choosing small, impactful moments, recalling years of life events from opposite sides of the earth and their connections to one another.
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