Safe House
This thriller based on true events follows aid workers trying to protect a Muslim man from a Christian militia — without endangering the safety of their colleagues.
Eirik Svensson’s Safe House is a thriller set in a small clinic in the Central African Republic, where aid workers are trying to work amidst a bloody civil war while facing an impossible choice.
One day, a Muslim man, persecuted by the Christian militia from the surrounding refugee camp, seeks refuge at the clinic. The head of the clinic, Norwegian Linn (Kristine Kujath Thorp), is faced with the impossible choice – either handing over the man to certain death or risking the vaccine delivery as well as the lives of the clinic’s staff and patients. The following 15 hours of torment are skilfully wrapped into a tight story dealing with both geopolitical realities and the personal challenges of a wide range of characters.
When faced with drastic circumstances, noble truths are put to test and a black-and-white worldview turns into shades of grey. The film is based on the memoir of aid worker Lindis Hurum, working for Doctors without Borders.
The film premiered at the Gothenburg Film Festival, where it won the Audience Award. The performances of the actors are commendable throughout the film (bonus points for highlighting that a big part of the aid workers are local!). The Finnish actor Alma Pöysti is seen in a small supporting role.
Kira Schroeder (translated by Charlotte Elo)
Trailer
Collaboration
