Last Hijack – Film Review by Emily Elphinstone

Directors: Tommy Pallotta, Femke Wolting
Writers: Tommy Pallotta, Femke Wolting

In the last few years, Somalia has become synonymous with Piracy. Classed as one of the most dangerous countries in the world, even its waters have become a no-go zone after a number of well publicised hostage situations, ending either in tragedy, or the payment of astronomical ransoms.

We may have seen this on screen in films like ‘Captain Phillips’ and ‘A Hijacking’, but documentary ‘Last Hijack’ looks at Piracy from the side of the Somalians. Created by Femke Wolting and Tommy Pallotta, the film focuses on hijacker Mohamed Nura, as he faces increasing pressure from his family and new bride Muna Abdelkadir Mirre to give up piracy.

Staged scenes and evocative animation by Hisko Hulsing are used alongside documentary footage, in an attempt to portray the facets of Nura which may otherwise remain unseen; from meetings with potential accomplices, to animated dream sequences, and recollections of childhood trauma. These elements give greater understanding of how a hijacking works, and what has drawn Nura into this life. Stunning visions of him as a bird of prey picking up cargo ships in his talons, give a sense of the power he feels as a pirate, and his ego. However, the animation fails to make Nura a truly sympathetic character, and the staged (or at least heavily directed) scenes take away some of the film’s authenticity, and make the timeline harder to piece together.

Though ‘Last Hijack’ focuses on one man, it is the other characters featured who provide the real insight into life in Somalia. DJ Abdifatah Omar Gedi hosts an anti-piracy radio station and eloquently discusses the effect piracy has had on the country, and the threats he and his colleagues face every day; even receiving anonymous phone-calls during the interview. New wife Muna, meanwhile, demonstrates the effect it has on families.

Staunchly anti-piracy, she tries to convince her new husband that she has no interest in all the riches he keeps promising; and one of the most powerful moments of the film comes from the interview in which she explains that her first husband was a pirate, who left her for another woman. As she reveals that she only got divorce papers after he beat her, she smiles with the recollection of finally being free from him; illustrating the independent spirit that we may not have expected from her arranged marriage.

‘Last Hijack’ may be an attempt to gain a level of understanding toward the pirates, but ultimately Mohammed Nura is as isolated from the filmmakers as he is from his friends and family. The lure of riches after years of struggle and civil unrest may be tempting, but he is far from being a real victim of circumstance. In fact, the true message Nura sends is that ‘pirate money is cheap, and gone in a minute’, used for new girls, new cars, hotels, and beloved drug Khat rather than supporting the children he has barely knows.

Overall, ‘Last Hijack’ is worth watching for its fascinating insight into the effect piracy has on a country and its people. It is undoubtedly a beautifully shot film; but there are moments where the over complicated mix of styles take away from the substance.