Watch Freightened: The Real Price of Shipping

Freightened: The Real Price of Shipping is a documentary film from 2016 that explores the hidden costs of the global shipping industry. Directed by multi-award-winning filmmaker Denis Delestrac and narrated by British actor Trevor Hayes, the film looks at the impact of shipping on the environment, economy, and human health. Throughout the movie, viewers are taken on a journey around the world, visiting some of the busiest ports and most remote communities affected by the shipping industry. From the pristine waters of the Arctic to the dirty manufacturing towns of China, the film demonstrates how the massive scale of modern shipping has transformed the world economy but also resulted in a wide range of social and environmental problems.

One of the central themes of the movie is the environmental impact of shipping, particularly in terms of air pollution and climate change. With some ships burning up to 100 tonnes of fuel per day, the shipping industry is responsible for an estimated 3% of the world's greenhouse gas emissions. The film interviews experts and scientists who explain how this pollution not only contributes to global warming but also causes serious health problems for people living near ports.

Another major issue examined in the movie is the labor practices of the shipping industry. From slave labor on container ships to exploitation in the shipbreaking industry, the film exposes the human cost of global trade. Interviews with former sailors and activists shed light on the brutal reality of life at sea for workers on cargo ships and the need for reform in the industry.

The film also examines the economic impact of shipping, from the consolidation of corporate power in the industry to the uneven distribution of wealth and opportunity around the world. Delestrac highlights the role that shipping plays in global trade and how it has enabled a rapid expansion of international commerce. However, he also argues that this growth has been far from equitable, as the benefits of shipping have largely accrued to a small elite in wealthy countries, while the social and environmental costs are borne by the most vulnerable communities.

Overall, Freightened: The Real Price of Shipping is a thought-provoking and informative documentary that sheds light on the hidden costs of our globalized economy. Through a combination of expert analysis, personal stories, and stunning cinematography, the film encourages viewers to think critically about the impact of shipping on our planet and to envision a more sustainable and equitable future.

Freightened: The Real Price of Shipping is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 52 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.6.