The Pirogue

Convincing and involving account of an Africa to Spain, week long ocean crossing attempt. We see the recruiting, preparation and motivation of the participants. The "People Smugglers" are not presented as heavies and the boat people are not shown as flawless innocents, which adds to conviction. Incidents pick out the humanity of the participants. Telling scenes like passing another becalmed Pirogue, the theft of the panic victim's chicken or the dignified group leader telling his associate not to eat the standard gift sandwich.

Interesting the amount of worthwhile film coming out of the former French colonies, while the British seem to have a much less significant output.