MY REFUGEE JOURNEY

Human Rights
Social Inclusion
Refugees and asylum seekers
Racism
Freedom of speech

This film will offer audiences an opportunity to be immersed into the authentic world of the asylum seeker. By providing a deeply personal perspective, we shed light on the challenges, dangers, and ethical dilemmas faced by those forced to flee their homeland. The film will trigger discussion on asylum seekers, migration, social inclusion, racism and human rights. The film will motivate audiences to work towards a more inclusive and tolerant society. Upon completion the film will premiere at Melbourne International Film Festival followed by a nationwide theatrical release, community and education screenings improving our understanding of what it means to be a refugee.

The impact campaign will use preview screenings with Q&A, panel conversations and targeted social media to:
– Amplify the lived experience of asylum seekers to combat racism and discrimination;
– Build mainstream community support for journalists, refugees and asylum seekers;
– Partner Cool.org will create outreach educational resources for use in schools to highlight human rights and anti discrimination;
-National screenings through the Rural Australians for Refugee Network
– Champion and build significant support for partner organisations the Asia Pacific Network, who are raising the plight of refugees and asylum seekers stuck in Indonesia

Filmmaker and subject of the film is Barat Ali Batoor. He is embedded in the Hazara community in Dandenong Melbourne and his voice is authentic. He works at the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre and is a freelance photojournalist.

Objectives
• Build empathy and awareness among students about refugee journeys and the lived experiences of the Hazara community, connecting to the broader experiences of asylum seekers and refugees and reducing stigma.
• Support educators to tackle complex topics, displacement, persecution, courage, and resilience, safely and effectively.
• Foster critical thinking about human rights, freedom of expression, and the power of storytelling.
• Amplify Hazara voices and contribute to broader understanding and reconciliation through education.