AGAINST THE TIDE is a very well-shot documentary about two Indian fishermen who are as close as brothers but complete contrasts of one another both personally and professionally. There are times where this almost felt like a narrative feature in its overall presentation and I was invested in both of the main subjects but the quiet, more intimate style of storytelling failed to draw me in fully.

Very immersive, technically brilliant doc about two diverse characters from Mumbai’s Koli (fisher folks) community set in the backdrop of rapid climate crisis and Mumbai’s suicidal urban planning. 

Left me in awe of director Sarvnik Kaur and her team. Absolute must watch. 

Watched at DIFF 2023 Day 1.

Storyville observational documentary about two Indian fishermen and their struggles with global warming, overfishing, and rampant pollution. No voice-overs or repetitive interviews. Great handheld camerawork and editing. A real treat for the cinéma vérité nerds!

AGAINST THE TIDE is a beautifully crafted documentary about two friends, both Indigenous fishermen, who employ very different methods as they desperately fish in a dying sea. The storytelling and cinematography are exceptional, drawing the viewer in and making them feel like they’re in the small village with them. At times I almost forgot that I was watching a documentary as there aren’t interviews, voiceovers, or explanations provided. You watch the story unfold right in front of you, making it feel like a narrative film at times.

~Watched at Hot Docs Film Festival

Thoughtful, reverent, beautiful. 

I was so surprised how much this didn’t feel like a documentary. 

There is no reliance on any the usual voiceovers, interviews, or text-on-screen for explanations. Instead, the story of these two men is allowed to unfold before us with stunning “still life” like visuals and barely any sound additions, which makes everything feel authentic. 

Kaur shows us significant social themes — climate change, capitalism, inequality, friendship — through a clear lens, one without any presumptions to how we should or already feel about any of it.

A fisherman's life is all about credit.

घर में संडास नहीं है तेरे।

Sarvnik Kaur’s Against the Tide documents the everyday experiences of indigenous Kolis of coastal Maharashtra through a couple of representative protagonists in a highly dynamic world marred by predatory capitalism, geopolitical stress, and a worsening climate that endangers all life.

Read the full review here.

With phenomenal documentary filmmaking skill, Against the Tide functions as more of a narrative experience over that of a traditional documentary. Director Sarvnik Kaur achieves such an up close and personal connection to Koli fisherman Ganesh and Rakesh that gives not only an incredibly detailed and intimate look into their lives and issues, but helps to reveal the greater socioeconomic and financial problems that plague not only their community but most of the eastern hemisphere. A project that took six years to complete, it provides a deep look at tradition, faith, ethics, and more while pulling back the curtain on numerous timely and important matters.

Zwar als Dokumentation deklariert, aber dramaturgisch ist die Geschichte von zwei befreundeten Fischern mit recht unterschiedlichen Lebensstilen und -philosophien, sehr stark erzählt.
Der eine hält sich noch relativ gut über Wasser und versucht seinem Freund zu helfen; sieht sich aber selber auch gegenüber Konkurrenz, Überfischung und Krediten immer mehr unter Druck. Der andere will weiterhin traditionell fischen und ohne halblegale nächtliche LED-Fischerei auskommen; und hat dazu noch einen krankes Baby zuhause.

Ehrlich familiäre und interessante kulturelle Einblicke. Bedrückende Überfischung-, Verschmutzung- und Globalisierungs-Ausblicke. Kamera und Sounduntermalung erzeugen immer wieder ganz atmosphärische, bedrückende wie hoffnungsvolle Momente.

So this was the mega documentary(actually a docu drama) I was waiting for to watch since the time it won at Sundance. 

I must say the visuals are breathtaking and the cinematography is risky and bold.

After watching this, the question that is eating me is to fish(eat) or not to fish(eat) …😊