Directed by Daphne Matziaraki, the film chronicles the plight of refugees fleeing the Middle East and the relentless efforts made by ordinary Greek citizens represented by Captain Kyriakos Papadopoulos, who are charged with saving them in their perilous crossing from Turkey to Greece. A thesis project for Matziaraki’s Master’s degree from UC Berkeley’s Journalism School, the film is a testament to the creativity and resourcefulness used to depict the global humanitarian crisis being played out daily on the shores of Greek islands.
“The Oscar nomination has increased visibility of the film and has presented a great opportunity to reach out and share with a broader audience,” said Andreas Dracopoulos, Co-President of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation. “People need to view the film themselves to get a sense of the urgency and dire circumstances of this truly humanitarian crisis. Moreover, the film spotlights and pays tribute to the heroic actions of citizens and philotimo of the Greek people, who serve as an example for all of us, especially and despite the fact that Greek people are going through their own socioeconomic crisis.”