The Italian “refugee island” of Lampedusa is in the firm grip of winters tristesse. Tourists have left, the remaining refugees fight to be taken to the mainland. As a fire destroys the worn down ferry, that connects the island to Italy, the mayor Giusi Nicolini and the local fishermen struggle for a new ship. The tiny community at the edge of Europe is engaged in a desperate struggle for solidarity with those who many consider the cause of the ongoing crisis: the African boat people.

Lampedusa in Winter

Europe’s most successful public cultural radio station is struggling. The film follows the passionate radio crew over a period two years as they attempt to reinvent their program. Just when the station begins to regain listeners the right-wing government starts to threaten its independence.