Freight

Max Carlo
Kohal

Max Carlo Kohal, born in 1993 in Houston/Texas, grew up near Freiburg im Breisgau and moved to Basel in 2016 to study experimental design. In 2018, he completed his Bachelor›s degree in Industrial and Product Design at the Basel University of Art and Design. Since September 2020, he has been studying Master Realization Documentary Film at ZHdK. His first short films won the Alexis-Victor-Thalbergpreis for “Mister Ben” and the audience award at Jugendfilmtage for “BOYS DON’T CRY”. His recent shortfilm “Würenlos” premiered and was nominated for the audience award at the 59th Solothurner Filmtage. In 2024 Max Carlo Kohal won the 'Basler Filmpreis Special for Upcoming Director' for his work on “Vracht”.

An intimate coming-of-age documentary set aboard a river cargo ship, this film follows young sailors over four years. From their first steps among towering freight containers to life-changing decisions, it captures the journey of teens – some as young as fifteen – who leave home for weeks at a time. Life aboard the Panerai moves differently: time isn’t measured in days, but in ports. Surrounded by metal, pressure, and no weekends, the ship becomes their world. Cities, cargo terminals, and amusement parks blur past the portholes. Home is the steel hull, the hum of engines, the clank of chains, and the whistle of ropes. In this confined microcosm, an authentic portrait of adolescence unfolds – full of friendships, challenges, and quiet strength. This powerful documentary pays tribute to the invisible heroes of globalization and the resilience of youth growing up in the rhythm of the river and the silence between ports.