Logline:

A migrant seaman joins his exploited father on a cruise ship in Sweden, igniting a fight against modern-day slavery for their dignity.

Synopsis:

“Rocking the Boat” chronicles the journey of Talat Bhat, who arrives from Kashmir in Stockholm in 1997 to join his father, a seaman working under exploitative “white slavery” conditions on a Baltic cruise ship since 1985, a stark contrast to Sweden’s progressive image.

Witnessing and experiencing the systemic mistreatment of non-EU workers as cheap, disposable labour, Talat courageously decides to challenge this system and organize against formidable opposition.

The film documents the arduous struggle of immigrant workers fighting for basic rights and fair treatment in a foreign land, highlighting the immense personal risks and power dynamics involved.

More than a labour dispute, it’s a powerful narrative of immigrant empowerment, resilience, and the fundamental human need for dignity, offering an intimate look at the personal cost of fighting injustice and the collective strength found in organizing for decent work and the recognition of shared humanity.