In the treacherous forests forming the so-called ‘green border’ between Belarus and Poland, refugees attempting to reach Europe find themselves caught in a complex situation.

Belarus seeks to undermine the EU by encouraging this border crossing, while Poland refuses to admit them. As pawns in a political game, the lives of activist Julia, border guard Jan, and a Syrian family become intertwined in a cold, swampy no man’s land, devoid of food and medical care.

The black-and-white film is divided into chapters, following a Syrian family, an Afghan woman, an expectant father working at the Polish border, a group of young activists trying to assist migrants, and a psychologist whose life takes an unexpected turn. With scenes alternating between despair, tenderness, powerlessness, awakening, guilt, and violence, director Agnieszka Holland provides strong criticism of how political powers handle this delicate situation. Her focus is always on interpersonal relationships, on how the lives of those involved in this crisis are affected and sometimes dramatically changed. This kaleidoscopic film revolves around one central question: what are you willing to do?