The real-time documentary ‘One Hundred Four’ (German Original title: “Einhundertvier“) by Jonathan Schörnig, which was released on the NONFY Documentaries label, has been awarded this year’s Grimme Prize in the category ‘Information & Culture’. The jury praised the film for its powerful examination of socially relevant topics and its convincing narrative design.
‘One Hundred Four’ is a vivid account of a sea rescue operation in the Mediterranean. Filmed with several cameras running in parallel, the film follows the exhausting rescue of 104 people from a sinking inflatable boat – person by person, step by step.
As the Libyan coast guard approaches the German lifeboat Eleonore, the 104 refugees on board become extremely agitated and the routine rescue operation has to be speeded up. The way a sea rescue can unfold is beyond imagination. The real-time documentary ‘One Hundred Four’ brings this dramatic situation closer. The film shows how painfully long it takes to rescue 104 people from a sinking rubber dinghy. The operation is filmed with several parallel cameras, showing person by person, step by step. The situation comes to a head with the appearance of the Libyan coast guard. The rescued and the crew spend days at sea, as no Mediterranean country allows them to dock. It is only after a severe storm that the ship reaches a European port.
The film addresses the dramatic reality of the most dangerous escape route in the world, where thousands of people die every year. ‘One Hundred Four’ focuses on the systematic human rights violations of EU border policy, including illegal pushbacks, Frontex‘s support for the Libyan coast guard and the obstruction of private sea rescue organisations.
Grimme Award
The Grimme Award is one of the most important prizes for quality television in Germany. Every year, outstanding productions are honoured in the categories of information and culture, fiction, entertainment, children and youth, as well as for special journalistic achievements. The jury particularly highlights works that impress with their depth of content, innovation and social relevance.
The 61st Grimme Awards will be held on 4 April 2025 at the Theater der Stadt Marl. The event will be moderated by Jana Pareigis, with musical accompaniment by Helmut Zerlett and band. 3sat will broadcast the awards ceremony with a time delay starting at 10:25 p.m.
Further information and an overview of all the award winners can be found on the official website of the Grimme Institute: www.grimme-preis.de.
More information about the movie: One Hundred Four
More information about the film label: NONFY Documentaries
