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Deep Dive: Human Flow (2017)

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Human Flow
Human Flow is a 2017 documentary directed by Ai Weiwei that examines the global refugee crisis. The film takes viewers to over 20 countries, using various technologies such as drones and iPhones to capture the scale and personal impact of human migration. Ai Weiwei's personal connection to the subject stems from his own experiences of displacement during China's Cultural Revolution, which informs his perspective on the plight of refugees. The film categorizes refugee flows into four causes: wars between states, ethnic conflicts, non-ethnic conflicts, and flights from repression. It emphasizes the need for understanding the root causes of these migrations and critiques the current global response to the crisis. The film was screened at the 74th Venice International Film Festival and received significant recognition, including being shortlisted for the Oscars.

Why Watch

  • •See Ai Weiwei's personal connection to refugee issues.
  • •Meet refugees from various backgrounds and conflicts.
  • •Find out how the film uses drone technology for storytelling.

Did You Know

•Ai Weiwei began filming after visiting Lesbos in 2015.
•The film was shot in over 20 countries around the world.
•Human Flow was shortlisted among 170 documentaries for the Oscars.
•The film has a duration of 140 minutes.

Perfect For

Human rights advocatesDocumentary enthusiastsGlobal migration studies