Shipbreakers

As visually mesmerizing as it is compelling, Shipbreakers takes the viewer into the heart of Alang, India, a vibrant shantytown where 40,000 people live and work in the most primitive conditions.

Since the early '80s, the rusting hulks of thousands of the world's largest ships have been driven onto the remote beaches of Alang, off the Arabian Sea, to be dismantled, piece by piece. Sold for scrap, the ship owners rarely bother to abide by the UN Basel Convention, which bans shipments of transboundary waste. One worker a day, on average, dies on the job, some from explosions or falls, but many will contract cancers caused by asbestos, PCBs and other toxic substances.

Shipbreakers vividly captures both the haunting beauty of the ships and the deplorable conditions of the workers--in an unforgettable portrayal where Third World ingenuity meets 21st century global economics.

Directed by Ed Barreveld, Ted Biggs and Michael Kot - 2004 | 73 min

[boomerhgt]

Films like this make you realise how lucky you are to live a comfortable life with prospects and hope

[Arsenic]

I'm really surprised the owner gave you such open access to his operation. Usually those shipbreaking yards are closely guarded and people who speak to journalists are immediately fired.
The documentary is really great, eye-opening and absolutely shocking all at the same time. Next time we complain, maybe we should think of those people - just to put things into perspective.

[gushollahbackatya]

This is by far, one of THE best documentaries I have watched in many years. It held my attention to the point that I forgot I was watching this on YouTube. Very Interesting, quality production and content. Thank you.

[kiesha]

I work in Norway, demolishing oil platforms. The astronomical differences are just insane.

[kingz_kenyan]

A place where ships come to die, and men die with them..."
Automatically suggests the documentary is world class, and is well was one of the best documentaries I have ever seen....though it is a sad one.

[shippydude]

100 % truth, I beached a ship here 17 years back and the same contract I left the shipping industry after what I saw was done to nature and to the workers on the ground, it is a really terrible situation there, watching this documentary is just a mear insight to what goes on there but to see the reality one must visit in person.

[martyclarke]

Is it just me, or did anyone else’s heart break seeing that wee boy going to sleep outside with just the wee radio to keep him company

[nigelmarverrick]

The most heart touching fact is that they appreciate their work and have a noble attitude towards their work, even when they are engulfed with misery and poverty they seek to have a religious means to their life being deprived of love, care and joy. they seek some meaning to it.

[johnbryant]

I was thinking my job kinda sucks but after seeing this I'm actually looking forward to going to work tommorow

[judeoco]

My God. I have no words to describe the whirlwind of feelings I felt watching this documentary. I never imagined that the end of a ship's life would bring such sadness to human life. I pray to God to give comfort to all those involved and their families. Work hard to change their future. Thanks to the creators of this documentary for showing us the reality, excellent work!

[NeAZ]

The amount of years I've been after this documentary... I'm talking about more than 10 years. I've emailed NFB countless of times about it, I've even wanted to purchase it, but with no luck. They never even contacted me back. Anyhow, I am really grateful I can enjoy it here.

[allenkemp]

I watched this absolute masterpiece years ago and I’ve been looking for it since. Thank you so much!

[tickedoffsheikh]

"this dharna...the ships die so we could survive". One of life's paradoxes.

[susanineurope]

I work in the maritime industry and my friends are too. It seems that only a few people knows the end of giant ships. I learnt a lot from this video as a member of this industry and shocked that there are still people who works in such a dangerous environment with little hope.

[checktheplaylist]

"Whether its the owner, contractor or supervisor... they want to squeeze the life out of poor people"
-words of wisdom from a shipbreaker

[thatdouche]

Such a powerful piece of work this. My hat's off to everyone who contributed.

[shubhamsanyal]

I don’t remember when did I last watch, a documentary so powerful in terms of treatment and heart wrenching in terms of the idea and the issue discussed over here. If it’s not an eye opener, I wonder what would be

[Mom_sBasement]

"Work upwind" Brilliant advice from the shipbreaker doctor. He acted like he's the first one to think of it.

[timothyhays]

Real eye opener.Thanks for the upload. Some tough, fearless people right there now. I wish them well.

[PrudviRaju]

My sincere salutes to all the team who made this documentary with absolute perfection.