human flow english

« Human Flow (Ai Weiwei, 2017) Opening – Global Context  The documentary begins with global facts about displacement: over 65 million people forcibly displaced, the largest number since World War II.  Ai Weiwei introduces migration as a global reality, showing aerial views of desert, sea, and camps.  The tone establishes the humanitarian scale of the crisis. Middle East – Syria and Iraq  Scenes move to conflict areas in the Middle East.  Written facts indicate that around 7.5 million Syrians are internally displaced, and millions more have fled abroad.  Ai Weiwei visits destroyed cities and interviews refugees in temporary shelters.  Border crossings between Syria, Iraq, and Turkey are shown, where people flee by foot through mountains. Turkey – First Major Host Country  In Eastern Turkey, millions of Syrian refugees find shelter.  Text explains that many live outside official camps — only about 10% in camps.  Footage shows overcrowded houses, poor sanitation, and lack of education.  The film highlights Turkey’s limited refugee rights structure and the 2016 EU–Turkey migration deal designed to curb arrivals into Europe. Lebanon – Strain of Hosting Refugees  The story then moves to Lebanon, which hosts nearly 2 million Syrian and Palestinian refugees.  Captions emphasize poverty, lack of space, and that half of Syrian refugee children do not attend school.  Refugees speak about uncertainty and fear of being sent back. Jordan – Camps and Survival  Jordan’s Zaatari Camp and other settlements appear.  On-screen text notes that Jordan gives shelter to millions but struggles with resources.  Refugees describe daily challenges — crowded tents, limited water, and few job prospects.  Ai Weiwei shows children’s lives and the hope of one day returning home. Greece – The European Gateway  The narrative shifts to Greece, a main entry point into Europe.  Refugees cross the Aegean Sea from Turkey to islands like Lesbos.  Footage shows many arrivals, temporary camps, and dangerous sea journeys.  Athens becomes a gathering point for refugees stuck due to border closures.  Text mentions that many countries reintroduced border controls in 2015 and built fences. Borders and the European Crisis (2015–2016)  The film documents the European migration crisis peak.  Over 2 million people sought entry into Europe.  Walls and barriers are shown across several countries’ borders.  Refugees become trapped between nations; freedom of movement is restricted.  Ai Weiwei includes emotional encounters with people blocked from proceeding north. Southern Italy – Arrival from Africa  The next section covers migration across the Mediterranean from Africa.  Over 210,000 refugees arrive by sea to southern Italy.  Visuals show coastal rescues and arrivals from Libya and other regions.  Captions emphasize the danger of these crossings. Asia – Bangladesh and Rohingya Refugees  The film visits refugee camps in Bangladesh, notably showing the Rohingya crisis.  Written information presents the scale of displacement from Myanmar.  Extensive camp scenes show mud, rain, and hunger, underscoring difficult conditions. Africa – Refugee Camps and Climate Pressure  Scenes shift to Africa, including Kenya and parts of Sub-Saharan Africa.  Ai Weiwei links environmental causes — drought, famine, and loss of resources — to migration.  Captions highlight climate change as a significant factor driving displacement. Return to Europe – Policy and Borders  The focus returns to Europe, examining political responses.  Text explains the.... »