4.1 Miles (21 minutes) The title of “4.1 Miles” refers to the distance across the Aegean Sea from the coast of Turkey to the Greek isle of Lesbos — a span that hundreds of thousands of refugees have had to traverse in recent years during upheaval in the Middle East. A film crew from the New York Times follows a single boat captain as they troll the waters each day, rescuing people desperate enough to board flimsy inflatable craft or even fling their bodies into the water. There are some very powerful moments, especially trying to revive unconscious children. But the documentary feels too much like raw footage — looking over shoulders, confused scenes of massed bodies — than a structured exploration. Such an important subject demands more editing discipline.
Oscar-Nominated Short Films: Documentary
Oscar-Nominated Short Films: Documentary
Oscar-Nominated Short Films: Documentary
4.1 Miles (21 minutes) The title of “4.1 Miles” refers to the distance across the Aegean Sea from the coast of Turkey to the Greek isle of Lesbos — a span that hundreds of thousands of refugees have had to traverse in recent years during upheaval in the Middle East. A film crew from the New York Times follows a single boat captain as they troll the waters each day, rescuing people desperate enough to board flimsy inflatable craft or even fling their bodies into the water. There are some very powerful moments, especially trying to revive unconscious children. But the documentary feels too much like raw footage — looking over shoulders, confused scenes of massed bodies — than a structured exploration. Such an important subject demands more editing discipline.