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Deep Dive: Five Days on Lesvos (2016)

Film Lens

Five Days on Lesvos
Five Days on Lesvos provides a firsthand account of the humanitarian crisis faced by refugees arriving on the Greek island of Lesvos in August 2015. The film captures the experiences of men, women, and children as they navigate the challenges of seeking asylum in Europe. It presents a stark portrayal of the conditions on the island, where local infrastructure struggled to accommodate the influx of refugees, leading to dire situations such as overcrowded trains and tragic deaths on beaches. The documentary focuses on a pivotal week when the number of arrivals peaked, highlighting the responses from volunteers and the local community amidst political debates and border closures. Through the eyes of those directly affected, the film emphasizes the human aspect of the refugee crisis, illustrating the urgent need for international aid and compassion in the face of overwhelming adversity.

Why Watch

  • •See the real impact of the refugee crisis on Lesvos.
  • •Meet volunteers responding to the humanitarian emergency.
  • •Find out how local infrastructure struggled to cope.

Did You Know

•Over half of the refugees entering Europe arrived via Lesvos in 2015.
•In August 2015, more refugees arrived in one week than ever before.
•Refugees were found dying in the back of lorries and on beaches.

Perfect For

European immigration issuesHumanitarian aidRefugee experiences