BERLIN -- The documentary "Fire at Sea," about the Italian island of Lampedusa where thousands of immigrants arrive in Europe, opens as one of two documentaries in competition for the Golden Bear award at the Berlin International Film Festival.

After the film's screening Saturday, director Gianfranco Rosi told reporters that he wanted "to show the tragedy that's playing out in front of our eyes ... We're all responsible."

The Italian director contrasts the native islanders' everyday life with the arrival of the many men, women and children who make the dangerous crossing from Africa across the Mediterranean on small and decrepit boats.