Some occupations go defunct with time. Much like species of fish gradually succumbing to extinction amid climate change, fishermen in Malta are falling prey to occupational erosion. Local filmmaker Alex Camilleri’s feature debut, Luzzu, presents this tricky situation where tradition is consumed by the need for a sustainable livelihood.
Turning in a quiet yet fiercely nuanced performance is Jesmark Scicluna, a Maltese fisherman making his screen debut. Perhaps due to his organic knowledge of the environment, Luzzu alternates between being a captivating docudrama on the fishing industry and a melodrama about a young family struggling to make ends meet. The only job Jesmark has ever envisioned himself doing is that of a fisherman – a tradition passed down through generations.
Luzzu gets its title from the vibrant Maltese fishing boat. It is painted in bright blue with yellow, red, and turquoise stripes, with intricate embossment and an imprint of Jesmark’s little son’s feet. The luzzu is nothing less than a treasured heirloom. However, due to European Union regulations on how much fish local fishermen can harvest, the boat’s relevance has become more ornamental than occupational. Not in its greatest shape, this over-repaired piece of wood still holds a special place in his heart.
Jesmark’s first hurdle in adapting to the changing nature of his profession is his son, whose growth impediment requires expensive medication that he and his partner cannot afford. The second is his tough-as-nails employer, who introduces him to the thriving black market of exotic fish and other illegal shipments. Fortunately, given the film’s intimate tone, Camilleri only grazes the surface of this darker angle. The focus is on Jesmark coming to terms with his turmoil.
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Surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea, the country of Malta seen in Luzzu is lively despite the film’s quiet atmosphere. The cinematographer projects a minimal yet vibrant palette from the luzzu’s colors. The editor stitches these moments together so seamlessly that we never feel lost between the film’s emotional family arc and its intriguing (and occasionally thrilling) exploration of the fishing trade.
A neorealist work, Luzzu features an array of non-professional actors who are in perfect symbiosis with both their vocations and the craft of performance. A standout supporting character is Uday, a South Asian migrant fisherman who has deftly adapted to the new system. The family dynamic, while familiar, injects a sense of realism into Jesmark’s emotionally complex journey.
The luzzu itself emerges as a quiet supporting character. Its final scene leaves a soft ache in our hearts as the camera lingers on Jesmark’s expressive face. The ending stirs mixed emotions – sorrow, a hint of optimism, and a faint trace of happiness. Alex Camilleri’s film is deeply personal, though it may not be easy to empathize with Jesmark’s inability to spark a revolution to save his trade. Instead, we find ourselves feeling for the devoted father in him – the man who lovingly tells his son about the glowing luzzu that once sailed proudly through the sea for generations.
Rating: ★★★★
Luzzu is streaming on Amazon Prime.
