Absent Present
Synopsis
Benji was brought from Namibia to the GDR in 1979 as a young child and sent back in 1990 after German reunification. Levi got to know him there in 1991. Two years later, he hitchhiked back to Europe disguised as a tourist. But "in this film there is no main character. Benji, who should have been it, has disappeared," it is stated at the beginning of the movie. On her search for traces, Levi associatively links the story of the refugee with the stories of flight of those she meets underway. The journey leads from Germany to Namibia, to the Spanish mainland and the Canary Islands, all the way to Senegal. Without wanting to draw a geographical or political map, an essayistic documentary on the various forms of traveling emerges: vacation and migration, voluntary and forced return.
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Angelika Levi
- Original Title
- Absent Present
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 25m
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Angelika Levi
Department Leadership Roster
Angelika Levi
Director
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Absent Present.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Absent Present
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Absent Present about?
Benji was brought from Namibia to the GDR in 1979 as a young child and sent back in 1990 after German reunification. Levi got to know him there in 1991. Two years later, he hitchhiked back to Europe disguised as a tourist. But "in this film there is no main character. Benji, who should have been it, has disappeared," it is stated at the beginning of the movie. On her search for traces, Levi associatively links the story of the refugee with the stories of flight of those she meets underway. The journey leads from Germany to Namibia, to the Spanish mainland and the Canary Islands, all the way to Senegal. Without wanting to draw a geographical or political map, an essayistic documentary on the various forms of traveling emerges: vacation and migration, voluntary and forced return.
Who directed Absent Present?
Absent Present was directed by Angelika Levi.
Who stars in Absent Present?
The principal cast of Absent Present includes Not specified.
When was Absent Present released and how long is it?
Absent Present was released in 2010 with a total runtime of 1h 25m.