A stark contrast unfolds beneath the snow-capped peaks of Montgenèvre, a picturesque French ski resort popular with British tourists. While families enjoy skiing holidays and sampling local delicacies, a different narrative emerges in Juliette de Marcillac's documentary 'Nightwatchers', which shines a light on the migrant crisis unfolding in the shadows.
The film opens with scenes of migrants – including pregnant women and young children – braving extreme conditions as they trek across the French-Italian border into Montgenèvre, seeking asylum in France. Many are shown to be suffering from severe injuries such as frostbite and exhaustion after perilous journeys often lasting thousands of miles. However, their arrival is frequently met with intimidation and arrest orders by local police forces.
Amidst this challenging environment, a small group of 'nightwatchers' – local volunteers dedicated to migrant aid – continue their urgent efforts. De Marcillac's observational approach captures the tension and urgency through handheld cinematography, showcasing volunteers providing essential support such as warm clothing, hot water, and medical assistance. These acts of care take on a defiant quality in the face of ongoing police surveillance and intimidation, not only towards the migrants but also towards the volunteers themselves.
The documentary creates a tense atmosphere, akin to a thriller, as a cat-and-mouse dynamic plays out between the volunteers and authorities. Sobering visual contrasts are employed throughout the film, juxtaposing the weary figures of migrants with the vibrant gondola lifts and colourful billboards of the ski resort. This contrast starkly highlights the perceived hypocrisies in the treatment of asylum seekers, as the town prepares for another day of tourism while migrants are confined to the surrounding forests.
The film prompts viewers to consider the wider implications of such crises on local communities and international relations. It serves as a powerful reminder that even in idyllic settings like Montgenèvre, significant humanitarian challenges can exist just out of sight – and that these issues have far-reaching consequences for British travellers, businesses, and policymakers.