Exclusive: Janus Metz’s ‘Rescue’ Exposes Mediterranean Migrant Crisis with MSF

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Currently, Danish filmmaker Janus Metz (“Borg vs McEnroe,” “Armadillo”), who is currently connected to Season 2 of the “Star Wars” series “Andor,” finds his thoughts and emotions deeply invested not in tales set in some distant galaxy, but rather in the true-life narratives of individuals bravely navigating the Mediterranean waters in pursuit of a more promising future in Europe.

Working together with his longtime companion, Sine Plambech – an acclaimed anthropologist, filmmaker, and migrant researcher – the director has been chosen for CPH:DOX’s co-production and co-financing showcase in Copenhagen with their observational documentary “Rescue.” This accomplished duo, who have previously produced award-winning documentaries about relationships and sex work between Thailand and Denmark, such as the Zurich Golden Eye winner “Heartbound” (2018), are now focusing on capturing the heart-wrenching reality and complex politics unfolding in the Mediterranean. Their current project is centered around the search and rescue vessel Geo Barents, run by the medical charity Doctors Without Borders (Médecins sans Frontières).

For an entire year, filmmakers were granted exceptional permission to board an MSF ship, allowing them to closely observe a team of rescuers, primarily women, as they bravely rescue migrants and refugees. This is done amidst resistance from armed militias, coast guards, and the European Union’s strategy of funding North African nations to halt migration at its source.

I, an admirer, delve into the narrative that unfolds through the perspectives of Claire, head of MSF rescuers, Nesma, one of our brave rescuers, and Hani, a refugee from Yemen. Metz and Plambech closely track Hani’s journey as he is torn away from his wife and children – abducted before his eyes by a Libyan militia – in an effort to reconnect with them once more.

Hey there, EbMaster! Before you take the stage at CPH:Forum on March 26 in Metz, I wanted to chat with Elk Film’s trio – Metz, Plambech and producer Andreas Møl Dalsgaard – about their upcoming project. They shared some powerful insights into the inspiring humanitarian work of MSF rescuers, who bravely navigate today’s EU migration policies that often exacerbate criminal activities in the Mediterranean and infringe upon human rights. However, they also spoke candidly about the deep emotional toll these heroes endure when saving lives out at sea.

As a researcher focusing on migration, I’ve come across countless emotional tales during my career, but the circumstances in the Mediterranean stand out for their immediacy, remarks Plambech. Having taken part in two rescue operations aboard the Geo Barents since April 2024, he has had a unique experience. “The act of rescuing people and the profound human bond formed during these moments is something I’ve never encountered before, and it’s an emotion that will stay with me forever,” he adds.

Metz acknowledges he cried a great deal, stating, “When you’re on the rescue boat, you encounter these people up close. It feels as if we are distinct individuals, yet I’m helping save your life. All I can do is that. I don’t know what lies ahead for you or if you’ll be sent back, but at that instant, there’s an overwhelming sense of gratitude and respect. It’s incredibly emotional. Right next to me are rescuers who strive to keep their emotions in check, acting like firefighters or paramedics. They have a tough job.

Dalsgaard’s company granted the team access to debriefing meetings and psychological assistance to aid them in dealing with the distressing emotions they experienced. “Seeing up close the harrowing situations of sea migrants is devastating,” Dalsgaard notes, “it’s impossible not to be affected by it.

As I pen this movie review, I find myself reflecting on the harrowing yet inspiring journey aboard the MSF’s Geo Barents. This seafaring vessel, capable of accommodating a staggering 600 souls, is manned by an intrepid crew of roughly 24 rescuers and medical professionals. Over the past eight years at sea, they have braved countless hardships while saving approximately 12,000 lives, bearing witness to both the darkest depths of human suffering and the most beautiful moments, such as the birth of new babies aboard their floating sanctuary.

Yet, the humanitarian work of the MSF at sea is increasingly challenging under current political circumstances, assert the filmmakers, who persist in capturing and depicting the ongoing developments.

2023 saw a tumultuous year for the Geo Barents, as the actions of Italy’s government under Giorgia Meloni, particularly the implementation of the Piantedosi Decree, have significantly hindered its operations. This decree has limited the vessel to conducting only one rescue mission at a time, forcing it to travel to and from distant ports instead of aiding distressed individuals immediately. As a result, the ship has faced numerous detention orders and fines for rescuing more than one boat at a time. The challenges faced by the Geo Barents have been immense, to say the least.

Meanwhile, EU funding for migration control in Libya and Tunisia has unfortunately fueled criminal activities. Militias have taken advantage of this situation by kidnapping migrants and demanding money for their release, often forcing them to make multiple dangerous journeys across the Mediterranean. These unfortunate individuals are held captive repeatedly, adding to their suffering. This intricate web of events forms a significant part of the film, as explained by Dalsgaard.

According to the producer, the aim of our movie is to present, in a way that’s relatable to humans, the workings and impact of a criminal system, focusing on those directly involved – the people affected, the rescuers who bear witness, and undeniably, the migrants, who are often the victims.

As a film enthusiast, I’m contributing to the documentation of the impact of EU migration policies. We may not provide a multimillion-dollar solution to this complex issue, but we strive to underscore that we can and must do better. The current state of affairs is eroding our humanity, as it essentially transforms the Mediterranean into a deadly trap for migrants from North African lands.

Asked about their future plans regarding their filming schedule, Plambech and Metz indicate that they likely will carry out another rescue mission during the spring. Additionally, they aim to broaden the depiction of Hani and his family, as well as continue documenting the migration issue from a Libyan perspective. To provide a comprehensive understanding of “the growing challenges on humanitarian operations in the Mediterranean,” they plan to collaborate with local journalists.

Dalsgaard says he expects the film to move into production following the CPH:Forum pitch.

This movie is being made under the supervision of Dalsgaard, together with Sofie Husum Johannesen. It’s also a collaborative effort with Fluid Produzioni from Italy. The project receives financial support for development from the Danish Film Institute, the Danish Art Foundation, Politiken Foundation, and Creative Media. Broadcasters who have already committed to airing it include DR, VPRO, SVT, and NRK.

“We have space for one more co-producer and are negotiating with sales agents,” Dalsgaard says.

Our documentary is one of thirty international works either in the final stages of development or currently being produced, which have been chosen for CPH:Forum taking place from March 24 to 27 in Copenhagen.

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2025-03-25 14:19