Testimonials from people who have seen the film:

Watching ‘Small Boats’ at the Brighton Komedia was a deeply moving experience. In just a short runtime, the film managed to say so much — about displacement, desperation, and the quiet bravery of those who risk everything in search of safety. The storytelling was intimate yet unflinching, and the cinematography captured both the beauty and brutality of the journey. The interviews with key personal on both sides of the channel provided a balanced view which challenged some pre conceived ideas as presented in the mainstream media. The silence in the cinema as the credits rolled said it all. It’s the kind of film that stays with you long after you leave your seat.

Aaron Sherwood - Parkwood Care

From my perspective working in a local authority on the South Coast of England, I never hear the perspective of French experts about their view of the legal, social and geopolitical context. And how these have led to the encampments in Northern France and the risks that people are putting themselves through. We are only dealing with the consequences of the arrivals, and trying to ensure that we respond humanely.

Lucy Bryson - Hove City Council

The Small Boats documentary offered a deeply human and nuanced perspective on an often-politicised issue. I appreciated how it challenged simplified narratives and invited viewers to consider the complexity behind the headlines, especially the version told to the public by mainstream media. Small Boats pass as a powerful reminder of the real lives and stories behind the statistics — the people making these dangerous crossings.

Fatehullah Naserzai - Brighton & Hove City of Sanctuary

I was not very familiar with the topic, but the documentary helped me understand it from a perspective I hadn't seen before through the eyes of politicians and experts. It was inspiring to see how we can bring closer an important research issue like this to different audiences. The method of dissemination through a documentary was excellent and really impactful, and the film's visuals and quality were outstanding. I enjoyed the panel discussion that followed. Overall, it was a great experience!

Barbara Lancho Barrantes - University of Brighton