Logline:

Joining his exploited father aboard the cruise ship Baltic Star, a non-EU migrant seaman confronts modern-day slavery in Sweden, sparking a defiant fight against overwhelming odds for fair labor and human dignity.

Synopsis:

Rocking the Boat chronicles the compelling journey of Talat Bhat, a migrant seaman who arrives in Stockholm, Sweden, in 1997. He joins his father, already working since 1985 under conditions described as “white slavery” aboard a Baltic cruise ship, a stark contrast to Sweden’s image as a bastion of democracy and workers’ rights.

Witnessing and experiencing the systemic exploitation of non-EU workers treated as cheap, disposable labor, Talat refuses to accept his fate passively.

The film documents his courageous decision to challenge the system and organise against formidable opposition.

It details the arduous struggle faced by immigrant workers fighting for basic rights and fair treatment in a foreign land, highlighting the immense personal risks and the power dynamics at play.

More than just a labour dispute, Rocking the Baltic Star is a powerful story of immigrant empowerment, resilience, and the fundamental human need for dignity.

It’s an intimate look at the personal cost of fighting injustice and the collective strength found in organizing, ultimately portraying a fight not just for decent work, but for the recognition of shared humanity.B