[QODLink]
People & Power
Leaving Tunisia
Despite the recent revolution, thousands of Tunisians are risking their lives in search of a new life in Europe.
Last Modified: 24 Oct 2011 12:18

Filmmakers: Alexandra Deniau and Francois Renaut

In January 2011, Zine el Abidine Ben Ali, Tunisia's president, was ousted from office. Twenty-three years of brutal dictatorship had come to an end. But despite the celebrations, thousands of Tunisia's young men continue to risk their lives to travel to Europe, convinced their country has no future.

Haytem is one of them and he believes that there is nothing left for him in Tunisia. He is on his third attempt to make it to France aboard one of the overcrowded people  smuggling boats that run between Tunisia and the Italian island of Lampedusa.

On his last attempt the ship he was travelling on sunk, drowning 31 of the 120 passengers. Haytem saved five people from drowning after the collision with another boat. But this experience has not lessened his ambitions to try again.

Under often life-threatening circumstances the film reveals the stories and desperation of young men who are prepared to die rather than put their faith in a homeland which they believe can never fulfill their dreams.

  

People & Power can be seen each week at the following times GMT: Wednesday: 2230; Thursday: 0930; Friday: 0330; Saturday: 1630; Sunday: 2230; Monday: 0930.

Click here for more on People & Power

Source:
Al Jazeera
Topics in this article
People
Country
Featured on Al Jazeera
An interactive dashboard examines the history, successes and challenges facing the group as leaders meet in Addis Ababa.
Series on the Palestinian 'catastrophe' of 1948 that led to dispossession and conflict that still endures.
Fallout from rare strike at Arabtec Construction continues, as many South Asian labourers ordered to leave the country.
A four-part series that gives a rare insight into the country on the move, with history in tow.
Featured
Two years since the start of the uprising, rebels and Assad's forces remain locked in conflict.
A four-part series that gives a rare insight into the country on the move, with history in tow.
News and analysis of 2013 presidential contest as Ahmadinejad finishes second term.
Extensive coverage of war crimes tribunals and controversial calls for blasphemy laws.
Series on the Palestinian 'catastrophe' of 1948 that led to dispossession and conflict that still endures.
join our mailing list