Watch the trailer for Ai Weiwei’s new refugee documentary
- Text by HUCK HQ
At a time when human right crises are only addressed when turned into sensationalist headlines, only to then get immediately lost in the internet void, it’s not a challenge to become desensitised. In places like England or the United States, the people who are refugees become nothing but vague concepts, often used for political leverage – out of sight, out of mind.
That’s the detached attitude that Ai Weiwei wishes to address in his new documentary and first feature-length film, Human Flow. Released on December 4th, the film shines a light on the daily plight faced by over 65 million refugees, who have been displaced from their homes due to war, climate change and famine.
Recorded over the course of a year in 23 different countries and over 40 camps, from Berlin to Bangladesh, the documentary offers both a personal perspective and a global outlook on a subject that is often thrown around but not discussed beyond generalisations. The artist seeks to humanise the crisis – to remind everyone that these are people, and not enough is being done to change the way they are currently living.
Ultimately, Weiwei’s message is one of unity – that we must push forward beyond prejudices and extreme divisions, and instead recognise humanity as something whole, together. To recognise that it is not enough to look away and vaguely acknowledge statistics every once in a while – real change is necessary.
Human Flow will premiere at the Barbican on the 4th of December, accompanied by a panel discussion hosted by Channel 4 News’ John Snow. Weiwei is also fundraising alongside charity Help Refugees to offer assistance to refugees during the coming winter.
Enjoyed this article? Like Huck on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
You might like
Youthful joy & end-of-era poignancy at a London school prom
Leavers — For several years, Lewis Khan documented young people as they celebrated the last of their school days and the completion of their exams. The series is now collated in a new self-published photobook and short film.
Written by: Zoe Whitfield
A major Nan Goldin exhibition is coming to London
You Never Did Anything Wrong — Opening at the Hayward Gallery in November, the show will debut a new film from the artist and activist, alongside a slate of recent work.
Written by: Jack Dennison-Thompson
Tender portraits of women serving life sentences in America
Looking Inside — While working as a public defender attorney in New York State, Sara Bennett found dilapidated prisons and forgotten people. Her new photobook harnesses the power of images and shines a humanising light on those imprisoned for serious crimes and their reintegration into society, while asking questions of the USA’s incarceration system.
Written by: Miss Rosen
Activists replace Union Jacks with ‘Tax The Rich’ flags in Farage’s Clacton
Take Back Power — It comes after the Reform UK leader resigned as an MP and triggered a by-election in the constituency, following scrutiny over a £5 million donation that he had not declared.
Written by: Ella Glossop
Tish Murtha’s searing documentation of broken Britain
Vandalism on a Grand Scale — Capturing youth unemployment and poverty in north-east England during the ’80s, the photographer never lived to see her work published. A new photobook by British Culture Archive brings her eye-opening work to light.
Written by: Miss Rosen
Ra’ed Khan and the tireless work of Road to Freedom
Hurriyah — Having been providing frontline aid and support to refugees for over a decade, a new book featuring poetry by Omar Mooro traces the story of the NGO. In this chapter extract, founder and music executive Ra’ed Khan explains its origins.
Written by: Isaac Muk
