Kristina Cranfeld

Detention Grounds
Medium: short film
Length: 6 min approx
Year: 2012

Detention Grounds film features training zones where four refugees are retained in isolated camps, and compelled to engage in an artificial spectacle of surreal and bizarre activities, for a national TV show. By creating this pseudo-fictional scenario, where people, spaces and cities are adapted and manufactured for entertained value, the film captures a controversial depiction of relentless suppression for public consumption.

Plot

In 2012, Parliament devolved absolute sovereignty to each county in England, enabling a system of self-governance and laws. The county of Kent experienced a period of severe destitution, as its income was heavily dependent on public finances. The people of Kent unsuccessfully lobbied for re-union, and so fled to other counties. Kent was abandoned and its officials failed to enforce border controls. Masses of refugees and asylum seekers arrived on the shores every week, but they would fail to pass the boundaries of boarding counties, and so remained in Kent. The leaders of Kent devised an initiative, that would see Kent become one of the most lucrative counties in England. Its geographical position, industrial and commercial ideologies made this ambition come true. The scheme involved the creation of a public spectacle, out of the counties detainees, for a television show called - British at Last! Subjects train themselves to demonstrate and convince other counties to vote for them. Contestant detainees securing the most votes, win the right of entry to the voting county, and are granted British Citizenship.

Short film, Detention Grounds

Film still, Detention Grounds

Film still, Detention Grounds

Film still, Detention Grounds

Film still, Detention Grounds

Film still, Detention Grounds

Cast / Frederick Roll / Dayna Shuffle / Matthew Block / Matthinee Washington / Costume Alisa Kuzembaeva / James Pilcher