Sometimes the content of a film is much more important than the actual film itself. One of the most pressing world problems and biggest tragedies of this century is that of people being trafficked from Africa to Europe. Thousands have died this year, which is already a huge increase on 2014 and it’s a situation which is only going to get worse. Despite the former Colonial powers being largely culpable for the dire state of the African continent, hardly anyone is prepared to take any responsibility.
Adrift: People of a Lesser God is a new film from multi-Pulitzer Prize nominee, Dominique Mollard. The majority of the film sees the undercover journalist travelling around North and West Africa in search of those who are willing to risk their lives to reach Europe. He’s also interested in tracking down those who, for the right amount of money, will facilitate their passage. He’s far more successful in the former than the latter.
As a piece of undercover journalism, Adrift: People of a Lesser God is partially successful. Whilst it’s the first film to really illustrate why people are prepared to risk their lives to cross the Mediterranean, it doesn’t really manage to get to the traffickers. As a film,it’s rather haphazard and seemingly unfocussed. Most will focus on the last 30 minutes where Mollard risks his life, along with 30 odd immigrants, to make the crossing on a small boat. He never appears on screen and the most important message is conveying understanding regarding the plight faced by poor Africans.
Adrift: People of a Lesser God is released on DVD by Simply Media on July 20.
