Europe in ashes, Africa an oasis: TV show depicts immigration in reverse

Updated 9:18 AM ET, Mon January 27, 2014

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Usoni is a Kenya-based futuristic TV show that imagines the reversal of immigration trends following a series of catastrophes in Europe.

Photos: Europe in ashes, Africa an oasis: TV show depicts immigration in reverse

Futuristic TV series Usoni – Usoni is a Kenya-based futuristic TV show that imagines the reversal of immigration trends following a series of catastrophes in Europe.

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Ophelia and Ulysse are Usoni's two main characters. Set in 2063, the show depicts a Europe where the sun has disappeared. The only place there is life is Africa, and everyone is trying to get there.

Photos: Europe in ashes, Africa an oasis: TV show depicts immigration in reverse

Futuristic TV series Usoni – Ophelia and Ulysse are Usoni's two main characters. Set in 2063, the show depicts a Europe where the sun has disappeared. The only place there is life is Africa, and everyone is trying to get there.

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Usoni creator Marc Rigaudis, a French filmmaker and lecturer, worked with his students at the United States International University in Nairobi to create the pilot episode.

Photos: Europe in ashes, Africa an oasis: TV show depicts immigration in reverse

Futuristic TV series Usoni – Usoni creator Marc Rigaudis, a French filmmaker and lecturer, worked with his students at the United States International University in Nairobi to create the pilot episode.

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Photos: Europe in ashes, Africa an oasis: TV show depicts immigration in reverse

Futuristic TV series Usoni – The 30-minute episode was filmed in locations around Nairobi and Mombasa last October and November.

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"It was a very exciting idea and a story that could touch the lives of many people -- not just Africans," says Cherie Lindiwe, the 21-year-old director of Usoni.

Photos: Europe in ashes, Africa an oasis: TV show depicts immigration in reverse

Futuristic TV series Usoni – "It was a very exciting idea and a story that could touch the lives of many people -- not just Africans," says Cherie Lindiwe, the 21-year-old director of Usoni.

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Overall 22 students took part in the project. "It was a nice mixture," says Rigaudis, "because we were really combining the energy, and power that the students have with my experience."

Photos: Europe in ashes, Africa an oasis: TV show depicts immigration in reverse

Futuristic TV series Usoni – Overall 22 students took part in the project. "It was a nice mixture," says Rigaudis, "because we were really combining the energy, and power that the students have with my experience."

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Photos: Europe in ashes, Africa an oasis: TV show depicts immigration in reverse

Futuristic TV series Usoni – The Usoni creator is now in talks about developing it into a full TV series and a feature film.

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The pilot episode of Usoni will have its premiere Monday at the Alliance Francase, the French cultural center in Nairobi.

Photos: Europe in ashes, Africa an oasis: TV show depicts immigration in reverse

Futuristic TV series Usoni – The pilot episode of Usoni will have its premiere Monday at the Alliance Francase, the French cultural center in Nairobi.

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Each year, thousands of migrants set out on crammed boats to cross the Mediterranean Sea, fleeing poverty and conflict in hope of a better life. The journey is dangerous and deadly shipwrecks off the shores of Lampedusa are common.

Photos: Europe in ashes, Africa an oasis: TV show depicts immigration in reverse

Futuristic TV series Usoni – Each year, thousands of migrants set out on crammed boats to cross the Mediterranean Sea, fleeing poverty and conflict in hope of a better life. The journey is dangerous and deadly shipwrecks off the shores of Lampedusa are common.

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