The Open Border

Through the direct accounts of refugees and humanitarian workers, The Open Border explores the reality of Uganda’s liberal immigration policy. Many refugees arrive in Uganda from the DRC after a 10-hour journey across the treacherous Lake Albert; many more come from the North, where the conflict in South Sudan continues to rage. Exhausted, traumatized, or ill, they are welcomed by Ugandan and international personnel; finally reaching a place of safety. Upon arrival, refugees are provided a plot of land to settle and cultivate, offering a way to begin a new life while contributing to the development of their host country. Bidi-Bidi, the largest refugee settlement in the world, with a population exceeding 300,000 across 250 square kilometers, was an undeveloped rural area in the Northern region just two years ago. Today, it features roads, hospitals, and schools, creating increased opportunities for both refugees and local communities. The film explores the dynamics of daily life within the settlements and in the capital, Kampala, which hosts a significant number of urban refugees. Uganda offers a viable alternative for migrants seeking dignity, healing, and a sense of communion. Developed in collaboration with FAO, The Open Border takes the viewer on an immersive journey into the little-known reality of refugees in Uganda, shedding light on its contradictions, challenges, and remarkable achievements.