Métèque is derived from the greek word, métoikos which referred to people who lived in Athens but did not originate from there. They were subsequently treated as second class citizens. These days, Métèque is used in areas of France, when speaking about mostly Northern African and Arabic residents. Although, in some circles, is has been reclaimed and used with a lighter intention, it is still rooted in the same concept : Different. What we are facing in the UK at the moment, is not only a system that actively differentiate us by class and race, but encourages the belief that we are not only different, but that some are better and more deserving. 

A common occurrence in cinematic history is engaging with the stories of the underdogs, the down trodden, the forgotten. Today, there seems to be a call to arms, or call to cameras, to use their voices to help the many people around the world who have been reduced to statistics. The team of Métèque responded to this call. 

Their aim as a collective is to engage with stories that deal with austerity and otherness. In Métèque, they have chosen a unique and true story of a young immigrant Moroccan woman who’s right to work in the UK in challenged after an administrative issue. Whilst the faces deportation, she also comes to terms with her sexuality and identity, and what the could mean in a country like Morocco. Métèque wants to raise awareness to not only the difficulty immigrants face when trying to build a new life in a different country, but also the shame around the constant reminder that they live in a country that does not want or value them as people. 

The thread of Brexit is one part of a much bigger political canvas. One that has made it okay for bigots, racist and facist to act on their beliefs, creating an incredibly hostile environment for many people on the day to day. Métèque highlights the complexities of people lives, with the intention of encouraging people be compassionate, and to resist the fear that is created in these political battles. 

Once Boris Johnson came into power, with his history of corruption and string of offensive quotes. The team behind Métèque quickly came together. They opted for a budget of £5000 that would cover the costs of equipment, sound and post productions. Whilst the entire team decided to give their time, expertise and passion for free, as long as this story was out there. They have been approached by composers, editors, and people willing to offer a helping hand from across London and the world, affirming the belief in the film Métèque. 

Director’s Note – Lauren Blackwell

“I come from South Africa, a country that is riddled with issues rooted in racial discrimination and placement, and feel very connected to Métèque as it mirrors these issues. I also find the journey that our protagonists, Samia, goes through to be incredibly complex, beautiful and in the end shows the true strength in being honest with oneself.”

Kickstarter Campaign : http://kck.st/2Yxc8Pt

Twitter & Instagram : @mete_que

Email: metequeshortfilm@gmail.com