Educational Media Reviews Online

There is no lack of political and social rhetoric surrounding the issue of immigration, specifically refugees, in the United States and many European countries today that often discounts the person behind the issue. 8 Borders, 8 Days captures the story of a mother and her two children as they flee war-torn Syria via Europe, hoping to find refuge in the United States, ultimately finding refuge in Germany instead. The film appropriately explores the struggles of the refugees along the journey as they deal with obtaining travel permits, border closures, separation from loved ones, and living in squalor. Additionally, the film uncovers the fears and uncertainty of the children as they travel by smuggler’s raft to Europe to begin their journey. The concluding moments of include the family’s process of resettling in Germany. 8 Borders should be a part of library collections that provide support for education, social policy, social work, and sociology coursework.