Watch Fire at Sea

Fire at Sea is a 2016 Italian documentary film directed by Gianfranco Rosi. The documentary was awarded the Golden Bear at the 66th Berlin International Film Festival in 2016. The film is set on the island of Lampedusa, in the Mediterranean Sea, which has become a symbol of the refugee crisis that is sweeping the world. The film tells the story of the island and the people who live there, as well as the refugees who arrive on its shores in search of a better life.

The film starts by showing the day-to-day life of the young Samuele, a local boy living in Lampedusa. We follow him as he goes about his daily routine, playing with his slingshot, fishing with his father, and exploring the island. Samuele is a lively and curious child, but he also suffers from various health problems, which require him to undergo several medical tests and evaluations.

As the film progresses, we learn that Lampedusa is a small island that has become the first point of entry for thousands of refugees, who arrive on its shores every year. The film shows the desperate conditions these refugees flee from, as they are packed onto overcrowded boats, in search of a better life in Europe. Many of them do not make it to their destination, drowning at sea or dying of exposure on the way.

The film portrays the stark contrast between the relatively comfortable lives of the locals and the hardships faced by the refugees. While Samuele's family enjoys the simple pleasures of island life, the refugees arrive on Lampedusa exhausted and traumatized, often with little more than the clothes on their backs. The film presents a unique perspective on the refugee crisis, showcasing the devastating reality of the situation from the viewpoint of those on the front line.

One of the film's most powerful moments is a scene in which a group of refugees is rescued from their sinking boat. The camera shows the horrified look on their faces as they come face to face with the reality of their situation. The crew of the rescue boat are shown treating the refugees with compassion and care, despite the difficult conditions they themselves face on the sea.

Throughout the film, we are also given glimpses into the lives of other locals on Lampedusa, including fishermen, doctors, and nuns who work to help the refugees. These people all have their own unique perspectives on the refugee crisis, and their stories are woven into the overall narrative of the film.

The film concludes with Samuele undergoing a medical procedure that reveals a serious health issue. The contrast between his life and the lives of the refugees he encounters throughout the film is poignant, highlighting the fragility of life and the challenges faced by people all over the world.

Overall, Fire at Sea is a haunting and thought-provoking film that brings the refugee crisis to life in a way that is both powerful and moving. The film's focus on Lampedusa and its people provides a unique perspective on the situation, highlighting the complexity of the issue and the human impact it has on those it touches. Fire at Sea is a must-see film for anyone interested in the refugee crisis and its effects on people around the world.

Fire at Sea is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 48 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7 and a MetaScore of 87.