It Will Be Chaos

The 2018 film, It Will Be Chaos, is a compelling and incisive documentary shining a spotlight on the contemporary refugee crisis through the stories of individuals caught in the midst of it. Directed by two award-winning documentary filmmakers, Lorena Luciano and Filippo Piscopo, and premiering on HBO, the film offers an authentic, eye-opening look at one of the most talked-about issues of our time.

It Will Be Chaos unravels the complex fabric of the global migration crisis by following the juxtaposed experiences of two sets of immigrants: a Syrian family and an African man. Through their narratives, the film highlights the intense personal repercussions and life-altering struggles that refugees endure. It's a comprehensive portrayal that goes beyond headlines to provide a more intimate and humanising look at migration, showcasing the strength and tenacity of the human spirit amid adversity.

In one narrative thread, we meet Eritrean refugee Aregai who barely survives his dangerous boat journey from Libya to Italy, a voyage that results in catastrophe, showing us the perils many refugees face. In stark contrast, we also learn about the Syrian family led by Wael, who are seeking refuge from the ongoing civil war. Their decision to leave Istanbul and make the perilous journey across the borders into Europe is ridden with trials and tribulations, and their hope for a safer home brings them face-to-face with grave realities.

Luciano and Piscopo have crafted a vibrant tapestry of human resilience by presenting these stories devoid of sensationalism. The intimacy of the storytelling leaves a substantial impact, drawing attention to the personal experiences of refugees rather than just the statistics. Showcasing their voyage, the challenges they face, the hostility, the danger, and the unexpected kindness, the film depicts an unfiltered look at their reality.

The strength of It Will Be Chaos lies in its ability to weave together these disparate refugee stories into one poignant and gripping narrative. The directors blend personal storytelling with immersive footage and expert insights, which makes the film both intimate and enlightening. The documentary does not shy away from portraying the harsh realities of migration but chooses to highlight the human element underlying this global issue.

Luciano and Piscopo skilfully capture the ruthlessness of the refugees' journeys – the perilous sea crossings, confrontation with border patrol agencies, and instances of racism and hostility encountered along the way. Yet, despite painting a picture of a present filled with uncertainty, discrimination, and trauma, the film also brings forth a hopeful future for these displaced individuals and their unyielding dreams of a better life.

Another essential aspect of It Will Be Chaos is its focus on the effect of migration on host countries. It does not limit itself to just showing the perspective of the immigrants but draws attention to the turmoil that engulfs the places of arrival – particularly Italy and Greece. Both countries grapple with the reality of managing huge influxes of asylum seekers, highlighting the cascading effects of the crisis.

The cinematography in the film is commendable. The striking visuals of the vast, turbid sea and the barrenness of the desert, countered with the juxtaposition of the metropolitan cities, generate a vivid backdrop to the already intense storyline. The encompassing visuals help emphasize the massive scale of the crisis and the immense distance and peril these refugees overcome in their struggle for survival.

It Will Be Chaos invites empathy and understanding, shining a painful light on deprivation and resilience, desperation and hope. It's an enlightening examination of the refugee crisis from a personal point of view. This movie is necessary viewing for anyone seeking to understand the reality of the international migrant crisis. It pushes the viewer to empathize with the plights of refugees and asylum seekers, offering a counter-narrative to the often-dehumanizing portrayals seen in some media outlets.

In the end, It Will Be Chaos is not just a film about the refugee crisis. It's an urgent plea for compassion and understanding, a call to acknowledge the dire need of humans who have been relegated to statistics while being stripped of their dignity. It's about seeking refuge, but also about the broader human struggle for survival and dignity in the face of overwhelming adversity. The film celebrates the indomitable human spirit and an unyielding hope for a better tomorrow.