Film Lens
The documentary follows the perilous journeys of passengers aboard the freighter Beurre Marnie on the Congo River. It shows the chaotic conditions at the port of Kinshasa, where the ship departs with 800 people crammed on board, many seeking to visit relatives or pursue fortunes in diamond mines. The film captures the cramped and unsafe environment as passengers endure a long journey of over a thousand miles with no cabins or proper facilities, turning the ship into a floating slum.
As the Beurre Marnie navigates the river, the captain faces numerous challenges, including mechanical failures and dangerous conditions. The film documents the reality of life on the river, including the fear of sinking, as one overloaded ship tragically sinks later in the journey, resulting in the drowning of 140 passengers. This stark portrayal of travel in one of Africa's most dangerous regions makes clear the risks people take in their daily lives.
Why Watch
- •See the chaotic conditions at Kinshasa's port.
- •Find out how 1700 people live on a cramped freighter.
- •Meet the captain navigating dangerous waters.
- •Witness the tragic sinking of an overloaded ship.
Did You Know
•The port of Kinshasa is one of the biggest cities in Africa.
•The Beurre Marnie carries 1700 people at one point during the journey.
•It takes the captain 12 days to reach the halfway point of the journey.
•An overloaded ship later sinks, drowning 140 passengers.
Perfect For
Adventure seekersTravel enthusiastsFans of survival stories