This route claims thousands of lives every year. In the first half of 2023 alone, nearly 2,000 people died in the Mediterranean as the European Union's border policy systematically violates existing rights. Jonathan Schörnig was affected by the lack of awareness on the issue and decided to bring a sea rescue to the screen as a real-time documentary, using footage from a journalistic project. His goal was to show how agonizingly long it takes to rescue 104 people from a sinking boat. The film follows the action step by step from multiple parallel cameras. The situation becomes even more dramatic when the Libyan Coast Guard appears and the rescued must wait at sea for days with the crew as no Mediterranean country allows them to dock. Only after a severe storm threatens the ship does a port finally open its gates, offering the exhausted and desperate people refuge. The real-time documentary has received numerous awards, including the "Golden Dove Feature-Length Film" in the German Documentary Competition at DOK Leipzig 2023, the "Leipziger Ring Film Award," the "Goethe-Institut Documentary Film Award," and the "ver.di Award for Solidarity, Humanity, and Fairness." Additionally, the film was awarded the "It's All True – Best Feature Film" at the International Documentary Film Festival São Paulo 2024.

Einhundhundred Four is more than just a documentary – it's a powerful testament to human strength and solidarity. Through the experiences of Clara Richter, a dedicated crew member on the rescue ship Eleonore, the urgency of sea rescue is made strikingly clear. The film not only depicts the hardships and dangers of rescue missions but also the unwavering determination of those who risk their lives to save others. The interview with Clara and Jonathan, conducted by film and theater actress Sabin Saeed Ritter from Berlin, offers deep insights into the unimaginable challenges and special moments of the production. Learn more in the SOONER interview. Listen now!