In a collaboration celebrating the depth and diversity of cinema in our focus countries, ESFF and the French Film Festival UK have joined forces to present Asier Urbieta’s Pheasant Islands.
Synopsis
In the borderless Europe of the 21st century, one border still separates Spain from France, marked by the Bidasoa River. On this river lies Pheasant Island, a tiny piece of land that alternates between Spain and France every six months. When the body of an illegal immigrant is discovered on the day of the border shift, Nassim, one of the survivors, becomes the target of a violent manhunt by French authorities as he tries to cross the border. This chilling event will change the lives of Laida and Sambou.
Trigger warnings: Contains flashing imagery, verbal and physical violence, racial slurs, police abuse and depictions of death.
Director: Asier Urbieta
Cast: Jone Laispur, Itziar Ituño
Duration: 90 minutes
Languages: Spanish, Basque, French
Genre: Drama, Thriller
Awards: 2025 Göteborg Film Festival: International Competition Dragon Award (Nominated)
Certificate: 15
