These events could be taking place in any area of the country where immigrants have been contributing to the prosperity of Swiss industry. For his submission, Raphael Amrein drove to Gerlafingen in Solothurn, where former worker families of mainly Turkish and Italian origin populate the neighborhood nicknamed “Little Istanbul» – up until now, that is. Because now, the inhabitants, some of whom have been loyal tenants for decades, are having to leave. The new owner of the ailing residential blocks from the 1970s has given all 48 tenancy holders notice, due to complete renovations which are pending. Once the renovations are complete, the rents will rise by up to 50 percent, leaving the previous inhabitants, who live in modest circumstances, with existential problems.

• Das Ende von «Klein Istanbul»