Unexpected Blow - Pekar

The Dutch refugee centre where Pekar from Iraq lives is closed down. The family moves to depressing new accommodations, which consist of nothing more than a cell with bare beds and the inevitable mini-TV. The story about the relocation, partly filmed by Pekar himself, shows the absurdity of the asylum seeker legislation. Pekar’s father, who has different official status than the rest of the family, lives in a so-called ROA apartment. A civil servant emphasises that it is absolutely prohibited for the Pekar to move in with him, even though he has a larger house. ‘Rules are rules and I have to stick to them.’ (International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam)