Fishing Without Nets

Tuesday 14^th October, 9pm – Ciné Lumière

Sunday 19^th October, 1pm – Ritzy

Somalian Pirates are world-renowned. These feared high-sea bandits are commonly vilified by the media as an all too common threat and nuisance to Western industries and incomes. Fishing Without Nets is a feature-length release from Cutter Hodierne, and is an extension of a 2012 short that won the Jury Prize in Short Filmmaking at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival.

We focus on Abdi, a young, defeated Somalian father who has resorted to piracy in an attempt to provide for his young wife and child. Fundamentally a good person, Abdi is relatable and spirited. He throws himself into this tragic career path, capturing a French oil tanker, though with an obviously heavy heart. Forging a relationship with one of the captives, Abdi is drastically forced to question his motives and his own values. Rarely in the western world do we choose to identify with the people who inflict corruption or sabotage upon our residents or causes, however here we’re forced to peer behind the curtain and empathise with the terrorists. Fishing Without Nets personifies the often faceless men behind fear; it’s a depiction of a desperate journey into corruption. If Captain Philips took a baby step in this direction last year, Fishing Without Nets takes a giant leap and humanises these young men so often forced to take grave measures to simply provide for the people they love.

Fishing Without Nets is hard hitting and often difficult to stomach, though perhaps because for once, it’s not only the vulnerable white man we sympathise with. This story leaves an impactful bruise; sometimes even the most morally astute people are coerced into the most shameful situations, though our sensationalised headlines don’t always tell the whole story. Cutter chose to use native Somalian non-actors for this feature: with this comes a layer of poignancy that Hollywood action films do not often achieve. Fishing Without Nets is a visceral tale of head versus heart, a beautifully shot action film that demonstrates an immense struggle of human fragility.

Donna Mackay

Fishing Without Nets release date is yet to be announced.

For further information about the BFI London Film Festival visit here.

Read more reviews from the festival here.

Watch the trailer for Fishing Without Nets here: