BILLED as “the film Tony and Julia don’t want you to see”, controversial documentary Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea will be launched in Bendigo at the Star Cinema tonight.
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Co-creator Jessie Taylor is taking the 52-minute documentary, which tells the stories of refugees who seek asylum in Australia on boats, to 30 cities across the country to “try and change the hearts and minds of every day Australians”.
The tour will culminate with a screening at Parliament House on March 18, with all members of Parliament invited to attend.
The screening of the film will be followed by a question and answer session with Bendigo Friends and Mentors’ Heidi Linder and Bendigo Community Health Service’s Kaye Graves.
Ms Taylor said the stories of asylum seekers are often overlooked in the politicising of the issue.
“This film presents an opportunity for communities all over Australia to hear the stories of asylum seekers in their own words,” she said.
“The refugee debate in Australia is so drenched with politics that the voices of refugees themselves are entirely missing from the conversation.”
She hopes the film will encourage politicians and the general public to adopt a more compassionate approach to asylum seekers.
“I am thrilled that we are about to embark on a journey around the country, taking such important human stories to Australians.
“I hope our leaders will take up the invitation to hear the stories of asylum seekers before creating policy that will change the course of their lives forever.”
The film will be screened at 7pm at Star Cinema tonight.
