FROM THE SHADOWS

‘From the shadows’ is a queste for solidarity beyond the boundaries of cultures, generations and religions. The documentary shows the evolutions of living together in a multicultural city. It’s time travelling from the old generation to the young one. From those who came as guest workers to do the dirty work, to those who don’t find work anymore on the Belgian job market.

Yannick is 84 years old and is originally from the Ukraine. When he started working in the Belgian mines in the ‘40’s, they called him ‘Hilterjung’. 

He is one of the last Ukrainians who is still living in the old mine town where his community was once very numerous.

Roger has Slovenian roots and is the only one in the family who didn’t work in the mines. His fascination for the solidarity in the mines, inspired him to found a mineworker choir.

Hoessein was studying to become a mineworker, when the mines closed in the late ‘80’s. He had a choice; or he would become a criminal, or he would try to make something out of his life.

Present day, he works as a youth worker and teaches youngsters from the neighbourhood respect and confidence.

The father of Ice left his teaching job in Turkey, to marry the love of his life in Belgium. As a compensation and to show respect for her father, Ice is under a lot of pressure to make it here as a business lady.

But Ice is also a passionate and talented hiphop mc. A music style which is not reconcilable with her traditional values.