Voices from the sea
DIRECTOR Simone Gavazzi
MOVIE TYPING Documentary
Italia Green Film Festival
Voices from the sea
CAST | Francesco Acquaroli
Green Short Film TIME | 23′, 40″
“Voices from the Sea” is a documentary that explores the dramatic events of the migration crisis in Lampedusa in September 2023. Through evocative images of the Isola dei Conigli and Molo Favaloro, where tourists watch helplessly as migrants disembark, the film highlights the struggles of over 7,000 people seeking help, while the reception facilities prove tragically insufficient.
The documentary does not merely recount the crisis but also sheds light on the efforts of organizations on the ground, such as the NGOs active on the island. In particular, the footage focuses on the rescue ship Geo Barents of Médecins Sans Frontières, offering an up-close look at the daily challenges faced. Through direct testimonies and rescue operations, the film paints an intense picture of the hardships experienced both by the migrants and the humanitarian organizations working in Lampedusa, offering a unique perspective on this humanitarian tragedy.
Simone Gavazzi (He/Him) is a former Junior Lecturer at Maastricht University with a focus on Political Science, Human Rights, Minority Rights, and Migration. His work spans key regions including the European Union and the Middle East (South West Asia). With a strong commitment to advocacy and communication, Simone is dedicated to promoting understanding and action in these areas.
Guido Pontecorvo: Though a debut director, Guido Pontecorvo has had the chance to breathe the set’s air since he was a child. Growing up, he moved from observer to taking more active roles on international and national sets, working in the directing department and as an associate producer. Alongside his cinematic passion and work, Guido pursued two university paths that allowed him to refine his artistic sensitivity and cultivate cultural knowledge useful for deciphering real problems in relation to their respective artistic, social, and political responses.
Reporting on sea rescue operations is crucial not only for documenting events but also for raising public awareness about the importance of safeguarding human life. In a context where thousands of people are fleeing conflict, persecution, and poverty, risking their lives in open waters, journalism becomes a vital tool for giving a voice to the voiceless and for exposing the challenges faced by both migrants and rescuers. Telling these stories is not only about informing but also about fostering political and social change that can lead to concrete actions on an international scale. Documenting the work of humanitarian organizations at sea is an act of responsibility that emphasizes the value of solidarity and the protection of human rights.
Simone Gavazzi Director
Guido Pontecorvo Director
Simone Gavazzi Writer
Guido Pontecorvo Writer
Carola Speranza Writer
Nicoletta Ionta Writer
Soares Music
Stefano Pavolini Graphics and Animations
Paolo Buonpane Colorist
Salvatore Misiano Audio and Mix
Francesco Acquaroli Key Cast
Guido Pontecorvo Editing
Emanuele Roberto De Carli Editing
