Lipari

Only the engine is audible. None of the fishermen says anything and there is no voice-over. The camera follows the fishermen's gazes across the well-nigh endless, sun-drenched sea at the island of Lipari near Sicily. Slight ripples indicate the currents. Slowly, the boat chugs on. It is unclear where or why - people are only looking out and waiting. Even the dog is on the watch. One fisherman has attached a playing card to one arm of his sunglasses to protect himself from the burning sun. Who are they and what are they looking for? They exercise patience. Then, the dog starts wagging its tail and someone shouts something. A swordfish suddenly rises from the sea surface, thereby signing its own death warrant. Music starts. The prey is harpooned quickly and efficiently and hoisted aboard a small side boat. The eleven swordfishermen, the last ones still operating in this traditional fashion, briefly smile. Their art has not been lost for all eternity yet.