Heroics are determined by the perspective of the people involved and those who have witnessed the actions of heroic citizens. You will find no trace of the romanticized interpretation of heroism in “Fishing Without Nets”. It is a story with no simple clear cut answers, and causes the viewers to question their own morality. The premise of the movie is what a father will do for his family, to increase his young son’s chances at a better life. What is a father willing to do to leave a region that is fraught with corruption, poverty, famine, and violence?

  “Fishing Without Nets” is the story of a man who attempts a one-time exploitation of his integrity, for the safety and future of his family; the story of Somalian pirate who helps hijack an oil tanker, from the perspective of the hijacker.

  “Fishing Without Nets” made its second appearance at the Sundance Film Festival this year. In 2012, the movie was presented as a short film with the running time of 15 minutes, but this year was presented a feature film. Both entries won awards during their respective years, the Jury Prize for Short Filmmaking (2012) and the Directing Award for a U.S. Dramatic film (2014).

  With most of the filming in the Indian Ocean, off of the coast of Kenya, the film shows a sense of authenticity that is keeps the viewer in a believable environment.

  The authenticity is continued with films use of the Somalian language as the primary language throughout the film, except for the few moments where it breaks off into French (between the captured ship’s crew) and English (the attempted moments of communication between captor and captive).

  A result of the location and the use of the native language is a sense of authenticity that is not always used in big-budget films.

  However, the release of the major motion picture, “Captain Phillips, whose cast is led by Tom Hanks, and the premier of “Fishing Without Nets” being at a film festival, the distribution of the film is an uphill battle.

  The film has yet to make it to any other film festivals, which also weakens its chances of distribution. Also, it is the first feature film for both the director, Cutter Hodierne, and the studio, Think Media Studios.

  However, this will undoubtedly not stop someone from picking up this unique and honest film, and allowing the rest of the world to view and enjoy it.

  The film brings to light the desperation of what a man will sacrifice for his family and their well being, even if it could cost him everything.