"Everything is determination. I know with time things will be okay."

October 15, 2007 1:21 PM

Kingsley's crossing: the excruciating journey of a man seeking a better life.

"Kingsley's Crossing is the story of one man's willingness to abandon everything—his family, his country, and his friends—in the hopes of finding a better life abroad. Award-winning French photojournalist Olivier Jobard documents the passage."

posted by rom1 (12 comments total)

Man, I just had my perspective jostled.

great post
posted by phrontist at 1:45 PM on October 15, 2007

Did anyone else noticed that Kingsley looked so much older and tired in the interview than in the photos? He didn't look too happy either.
posted by tksh at 2:15 PM on October 15, 2007

The look of terror in the eyes of everyone on the boat was chilling.
posted by togdon at 2:25 PM on October 15, 2007

incredible. must watch through to the end.

i read/watched this right after reading through the comments in the gawker post:

how soft I am compared to someone like kingsley. how lucky.
posted by jmccw at 3:04 PM on October 15, 2007

Amazing story. Great find, rom1.

All through it, though, I found myself contemplating a question that always bothers me whenever I see something like this. How does the photojournalist documenting this ordeal avoid feeling somewhat akin to a kid watching a bug struggle in a spider's web? He has all the wherewithal to pluck the bug from his torment and save him. Yet, the journalist has to just observe and document. It would be really hard for me not to whip out the sat-phone, call up my editor and get our asses out of that hell.

Not a job I could do.
posted by Thorzdad at 3:05 PM on October 15, 2007 [1 favorite]

Thorzdad - I think a lot of it has to do with 'partnering' - there really is no better word for it - with the right subject. Both men had equal or complementary outlooks on what they were doing and just went for it, despite all the obstacles which would have led to disaster or depression. All in all, an incredible 'team' achievement.
posted by jmccw at 3:25 PM on October 15, 2007

I find myself trying to imagine what he was unable to say at the end of the film.
posted by Xurando at 3:57 PM on October 15, 2007

This was the first time I've given the full twenty minutes or whatever to a video post. Much food for thought. Thanks for a great post, rom1.
posted by sy at 5:24 PM on October 15, 2007

That was really excellent. Thank you.
posted by dog food sugar at 5:56 PM on October 15, 2007

Really fantastic post. Great find.
posted by jamesonandwater at 6:01 PM on October 15, 2007

Talk about family values.

Fantastic post.
posted by rtha at 6:36 PM on October 15, 2007

Excellent post, thank you.
posted by CKZ at 1:34 AM on October 16, 2007