Olivier Meys' feature wraps filming in Belgian centre for asylum seekers

Filming is wrapping up on Oliver Meys' La vie devant nous which takes place in a Red Cross centre for asylum seekers in the province of Liege in Belgium.

Benoît Dervaux reunites with Meys as director of photography, having previously worked with Meys on his award-winning Bitter Flowers.

The film's synopsis reads: "Jahia, a young Eritrean woman, lives in a center for asylum seekers in Belgium. With no prospects, Jahia has a fear of the future that isolates her and prevents her from living. 

"One day, she meets Nèta, a young Moldavian girl, who drags her along in her crazy energy. Unfortunately, Nèta's family is ordered to leave the territory. Nèta suddenly falls into a deep sleep, victim of the resignation syndrome. 

"Jahia will do everything to wake her up and not succumb to the contamination of despair."

La vie devant nous was filmed with the collaboration of the asylum seekers living in the centre. They filled roles as extras, as well as production crew. 

Meys' second feature is produced by Alice Lemaire and Sébastien Andres for Michigan Films, co-produced by Kidam in France and by Red Lions in Luxembourg, and has received support from Canal+, RTBF and Proximus.