Rocking the Boat (documentary)

Rocking the Boat is a Swedish documentary film directed by Talat Bhat and produced by the film collective RåFILM. The film explores the struggle of non-European migrant workers aboard the Swedish cruise ship M/S Birger Jarl (formerly Baltic Star) and their collective efforts to resist exploitation and secure workers' rights in Sweden.
Synopsis
The documentary follows the story of Talat Bhat and his father, both of whom worked on M/S Birger Jarl after migrating from Kashmir. Like many others from South Asia, they endured exploitative labor conditions on the ship, working up to 14 hours a day without fair compensation.
In 2008, EU maritime labor regulations were modified, resulting in the dismissal of 19 Pakistani and Kashmiri crew members due to their non-EU status. In protest, the workers joined the Swedish syndicalist union SAC Syndikalisterna, initiating a blockade against the company. While they were eventually dismissed, the campaign attracted national attention and led to them securing permanent residence in Sweden. The project is supported by organizations such as the Film I Skåne and has featured work in progress (wip) at labor-themed film festivals around Europe
Themes
The film deals with immigration, labor rights, syndicalism, and the challenges faced by migrant workers in Europe. It offers a unique intersectional perspective, highlighting issues of race, nationality, and class. It has drawn attention from left-wing and labor-focused media outlets for its portrayal of worker-led resistance.

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