‘Get Away from the Target: Rescuing Migrants from the Libyan Coast Guard’ took the prize at the 43rd News and Documentary Emmys, winning in the Outstanding Crime and Justice Coverage category at a ceremony held in New York on Wednesday
‘Get Away from the Target‘ provides an inside view of a boat full of asylum seekers leaving Libya in search of a place to settle in Europe.
It captures a high-stakes showdown between a ship, run by the non-profit organisation Doctors Without Borders, attempting to rescue and escort the migrant boat to safety, and the Libyan Coast Guard fighting to capture and send the asylum seekers to prison in Libya.
It is revealed how the European Union essentially outsources its border policy to the Libyan Coast Guard resulting in tensions and armed threats.
The documentary was filmed and directed by Ed Ou, produced by The Outlaw Ocean Project, edited by Will Miller and commissioned for the Guardian by Lindsay Poulton and Chris Michael.
Katharine Viner, editor-in-chief, Guardian News & Media commented on the award, saying: “Get Away from the Target is a fascinating story that provides an intimate view of the struggles faced by migrants everyday in their search for safety and freedom – qualities of life we often take for granted.
“I’m so happy that Guardian Documentaries are shining a light on important global issues for our audiences. This is the Guardian’s third News and Documentary Emmy win, a remarkable achievement for all involved – thank you all for your hard work.”
Lindsay Poulton, head of documentaries, Guardian News & Media, added: “At the Guardian, we are always looking for new and inspiring routes into important, contemporary stories.
“We are proud to have supported this film and are delighted that the powerful documentary that Ed and the team have created has been recognised with this Emmy award. We hope this story will help to further raise awareness of the ongoing migrant crisis.
“Guardian Documentaries will continue to commission and curate films that showcase diverse perspectives and compelling, vital journalism.”
Guardian Documentaries have received critical acclaim around the world. Recent wins include ‘The Black Cop’, which won a 2022 BAFTA for best short film, ‘Colette‘ which won the best short documentary Oscar in 2021 and ‘Black Sheep‘, which was nominated for an Oscar in 2019.
The full list of nominees from the 43rd News and Documentary Emmys can be found here.
