Switzerland: Documentary explores migration and working-class identity

A documentary by director Samir explores the historical transformation of the Swiss working class and the shifting dynamics of migration and identity. The film examines how a once-solidary worker culture, shaped by trade unions over a century, was increasingly replaced by nationalist integration debates during the 1970s.

Through personal memories and historical analysis, the work highlights how the post-war Swiss economic boom relied heavily on foreign guest workers, particularly in the construction and hospitality sectors. These workers often faced poor conditions and were frequently unable to bring their families to Switzerland. The film uses archival footage and interviews to analyze the political instrumentalization of migration and the social exclusion of those essential to the economy.