New film “All that separates us is distance” highlights fishing communities worldwide and why improving fishing safety saves lives.
Documentary Brings Global Fishing Lives Into Focus
A new film commissioned by Lloyd’s Register Foundation is bringing audiences closer to the everyday realities of fishing communities in Ghana, Indonesia and the UK, highlighting why safety in the industry remains a global priority.
“All that separates us is distance” follows the lives of Emmanuel, Dede and James as they work to make a living from fishing in the small coastal communities they call home — Dixcove in Ghana, Pelabuhan Ratu in Indonesia and Newlyn in the UK.
One of the World’s Most Dangerous Jobs
Fishing remains one of the most dangerous occupations in the world. At least 32,000 fishermen die every year, with some estimates placing the figure as high as 100,000.
While the statistics are stark, the film moves beyond the numbers, offering an intimate look at family life, community ties and shared challenges across three continents. Though separated by geography, the film shows that the experiences of fishermen are strikingly similar.
The story explores resilience, connection and relationships, revealing how fishing communities rely on one another in the face of risk and uncertainty. What begins as a story of vast distance ends with a clear message: far more unites these communities than divides them.
Focus on Safety and Community Empowerment
The film was commissioned by Lloyd’s Register Foundation and produced by Friday’s Child, supporting the Foundation’s mission to engineer a safer world. It also highlights the work of the International Fund for Fishing Safety (IFFS), which supports practical, community‑led safety initiatives across the global fishing sector.
Olivia Swift, Head of Maritime Systems at Lloyd’s Register Foundation, said:
“Fishing headlines often talk about risk, but behind those headlines are people with hopes, families, and communities. It’s so important to tell their stories and let their voices be heard to a wider audience but – more importantly – show that it’s about lives, not just numbers.”
Alan McCulla, OBE for UK publications and Coordinator of the International Fund for Fishing Safety, underlined the shared bond across fishing communities worldwide. He said:
“There’s no doubt there’s a bond between the fisher in Cornwall, and the one in Ghana and the one in Indonesia and many, many more. The only thing that separates fishers is the distance. Ultimately the goal is to save lives and in saving lives we protect families and we protect communities.
“Empowerment of local communities is at the core of what we are delivering here. My appeal to governments, environmental non‑government organisations, society in general is this: stand up with us. This is a problem that can be avoided. There are solutions. It’s never too late.”
Stories Told Through Trust
Tom Sabbadini, Creative Director at Friday’s Child, said the film was built on the trust of the communities involved.
“This film was only possible because people welcomed us into their lives and trusted us with their stories. What stayed with us most was how similar those stories were, despite the distance between communities. It’s a powerful reminder that connection matters and that safety is about protecting people, families and futures.”
Friday’s Child is a Brighton‑based production company specialising in video content for charities, with more than 15 years’ experience producing documentaries, campaigns and digital content for organisations in the UK and internationally.
Backing Safer Fishing Worldwide
The International Fund for Fishing Safety was launched in 2023 by Lloyd’s Register Foundation, The Seafarers’ Charity and the Fishing Industry Safety & Health (FISH) Platform. The fund supports safety solutions created by fishermen for fishermen, delivering training, equipment and safety systems aligned with international standards.
Lloyd’s Register Foundation developed the initiative using evidence from its Insight Report on Safety in the Fishing Industry, which highlights the urgent need for safer working conditions worldwide.
