Azadi

Over the last several years I have seen several documentaries that depict the reality of the mass migration to the EU in 2015. Azadi is the most human story within so many stories that I've seen. You can feel the sense of displacement and the need for salvation through following the main character. Having a glimpse into this reality for the Greek fishermen who have been responding to people arriving for many years and before the media arrived there - is a crucial element to this migration story. It's important that other Europeans see this, see these people and see what exactly does happen when there is no choice but to help. You can feel the humanity in the fishermen and their want for those arriving to be safe yet being trapped among this situation that clearly isn't stopping because of politics. Azadi provides a human insight into the reality of having your worth determined by invisible borders, there is no pomp or faff, no dramatics or manipulation. It is what it is and for so many it is endless - that is reality. Azadi strips away any political association but shows what is happening to people needing refuge as a result of politics. This is a deeply human portrayal that shows the audience exactly what's important - solidarity. The people of Skala Sikamineas have embodied this for generations and have become real life examples of the protectors and promoters of human rights whilst the rest of the EU has merely experienced this migration for the last few years.

A cry to describe a reality that no words can express. It's intense and delicate, full of humanity and humility. There is no « drama for drama », no pathos, just the truth. Pieces of life captured, handing over the experiences of migrants who are stucked in Lesbos in abject conditions, telling us about their hopes and despairs, about their faith and their sadness. It's also the story of fishermen and communities who are confronted to this situation and have no choice but dealing with it and help each others.

The pictures are gorgeous, it shows the island in a really simple way, just like it is : beautiful, but now imprint with so much suffering. The contrast is really well made.

Azadi is a desire, a need and an urge for freedom.