Slaves of the Seas

The film tells the story of Mario and his brother Alonso, who are drawn into the world of fishing in the coral-reefs of the southern Philippines. They, along with other children from various backgrounds, labor under the authority of the ruthless captain Murène. These children are subjected to the dangerous muro-ami technique, which involves diving without equipment to trap fish in a perilous environment.

The narrative sheds light on the exploitation of children who work for starvation wages. Fastened to stones to help them dive deeper, these young divers face extreme risks as they plunge down to depths of 30 meters. The film offers a poignant look at their struggles and the brutal treatment they endure, making it a powerful commentary on child exploitation in the fishing industry.