The powerful documentary Death at Sea, which chronicles the life and untimely death of fisheries observer Eritara Aati Kaierua, drew significant attention during two recent screenings in New York City and London. Hosted in September and October 2024, these events featured expert roundtables and spirited conversations about the urgent need for better protections for observers and fishers alike in the fishing industry.
New York City Screening
On Thursday, 26 September 2024, comedian and activist Abby Govindan hosted a special screening of Death at Sea at the Caveat NYC during NYC Climate Week. Govindan, known for opening for comedy heavyweights like Hasan Minhaj, led the evening, which included a panel discussion with the documentary’s director, Sara Pipernos, and other filmmakers and environmental advocates.
John Burton, the founder of the Sustainable Communities and Fisheries Trust, delivered a powerful opening speech ahead of the screening that discussed his relationship with the Kaierua family and history of advocacy for Eritara and sustainable fisheries in the Indian Ocean and across the globe.
Following the screening, Govindan said “Thank you to everyone who came out to watch this documentary and engage with it in such a meaningful and serious space. I’m proud of how it turned out and even more proud of documentarians who have the grit and fortitude to tell untold stories that advocate for a better world.”
London Screening
A second sold-out screening took place on Monday, 14 October 2024 at Everyman Cinema Borough Yards, London, hosted by Dr. Andrea Longo from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) University of London.
The audience was given exclusive access to a never-before-seen short film that featured gripping CCTV footage tracking the final moments of Eritara Aati Kaierua's life. This chilling new segment offers an unprecedented look at Eritara’s last known steps aboard the Taiwanese fishing vessel, Win Far 636, before his passing. The film provides critical insights into his movements and interactions before and after his death, fuelling the ongoing calls for justice for the Kaierua family.
Panellists included George Duncan-Jones from the Blue Marine Foundation and Pedro Sousa de Jesus, a lifelong fisheries observer who remarked that the film ‘brought back memories’ for him from his time as an observer.
A Call to Action
Both events drew attention to the grim realities of an industry where workers, often hailing from vulnerable communities, risk their lives to uphold environmental and fishing regulations.
The documentary, along with the roundtable discussions, highlighted the growing movement to implement stricter international policies to protect fisheries observers from violence and intimidation.
For those who couldn’t attend the screenings, a video featuring key insights from the film, thought-provoking discussions from the roundtable, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of the evening, will be released soon.
Thank you!
Human Rights at Sea International would like to thank all panellists for their participation, including Sara Pipernos, Saad Amer, Bodhi Patil, Stefano Pennisi, Mairi Eyres, George Duncan-Jones, David Hammond, John Burton, and Pedro Sousa de Jesus.
ENDS.
Source: HRAS International
Images: From Film
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