Human Flow

Human Flow is a 2017 documentary film directed by activist, artist, and filmmaker Ai Weiwei. The film presents an ambitious and extensive exploration of the global refugee crisis, unravelling it in all its complexity and immensity. A haunting and deeply moving perspective on the most pressing humanitarian crisis of our time, Human Flow provides a remarkably intimate and empathetic lens into the lives of displaced people around the world.

The movie features Israa Abboud, Hiba Abed, and Rami Abu Sondos, amongst many others, who are not actors in the traditional sense but real people caught in the turmoil of displacement. These individuals become torchbearers of their narratives, bringing heartrending authenticity to the screen.

Ai Weiwei, well known for his provocative art installations, uses his gripping and extraordinarily humane storytelling skills to convey the individual and collective experiences of refugees. He stitches together a compilation of poignant stories from across 23 countries, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, France, Greece, Germany, Iraq, Israel, Italy, Kenya, Mexico, and Turkey, giving a voice to those who are often left unheard or are wilfully ignored.

The camera pans across sprawling refugee camps, desolated war-torn landscapes, and perilous sea crossings, painting a stirring portrait of human displacement. The imagery varies from panoramic drone shots that encapsulate the scale of the crisis, to intimate on-the-ground footage that captures the pain, fear, hope, and resilience etched on the refugees' faces.

Human Flow doesn't shy away from interrogating the political complexities of the refugee crisis. It boldly points to the glaring inequalities, hypocritical policies, and wilful dismissal of human rights that underlie this global catastrophe. The film explores the push factors of migration - war, sectarian violence, climate change, and economic hardship, alongside the challenging reception in host countries, where xenophobia, border controls and nationalist rhetoric often substitute for a humane and welcoming response.

The direction is masterful, and the cinematography, headed by a team of twelve cinematographers, is striking. This is a film that commands attention not only through its powerful content but also through its vivid visual storytelling. Rather than presenting a didactic tract on the refugee crisis, the film lets the images and the narratives speak for themselves, urging viewers to question, reflect, and empathize.

Human Flow explores the themes of home, identity, and belonging. It asks hard-hitting questions about what it means to belong somewhere and the universality of human rights. How does one maintain their dignity when rendered stateless? What is the psychological impact of being forcefully uprooted from one's home? How does one keep hope alive in such dire circumstances? The film does not shy away from these complex questions but faces them head-on.

The emotionality and urgency of the content are complemented by the film's captivating score. Karsten Fundal, an acclaimed Danish composer, deftly merges traditional themes with contemporary sensibilities to amplify the narratives. The sound design is remarkable- the haunting silence interspersed with natural sounds and voices of refugees further enhances the intimacy of the film.

Another groundbreaking aspect of Human Flow is its use of technology. Weiwei utilizes drones, smartphones, digital cameras and even hidden cameras to capture the reality of displacement from multiple angles. This results in undiluted, uninhibited storytelling that truly resonates with the viewers. The documentary successfully uses technology to bridge gaps, and foster understanding and empathy.

Despite its exploration of something so cataclysmic and despair-inducing, Human Flow at its heart is a film about hope, resilience, and the indomitable human spirit. It prompts viewers to grapple with their own sense of privilege, empathy, and responsibility towards fellow humans.

An instant classic, Human Flow is a must-watch for anyone interested in understanding the complex mechanics of global displacement and immigration. It is an essential viewing for educators, policymakers, students, and every global citizen committed to human rights. Ai Weiwei's unwaveringly humane and stoic documentary is an unforgettable portrayal of the most significant and challenging humanitarian crisis of our time.