“The truck game, the train game, the taxi game”, Sajid (from Afghanistan, aged 15) lists the ‘games’ he had to complete to get into Europe. Especially the ‘pedestrian game’: walking, lots and lots of walking.

Everyday teenagers who have fled their war-torn countries try to cross Europe’s borders in search of protection and a better life. They travel through a shadow world we never see: a world of minefields, bears, fast-flowing rivers, smugglers and border guards. ‘The game’ is the bitterly ironic term for crossing borders that has become commonplace among these young refugees. Risking their lives, the teenagers undertake a treacherous journey that often takes months or even years. Along the way, they grow up fast. Shadow Game is a journey through the dark side of Europe with teenage refugees as our guides.

 Shadow Game is a transmedia project by Eefje Blankevoort and Els van Driel. It consists of a feature-length documentary, a web series, an adventure game and a photo series in collaboration with Cigdem Yuksel.