Synopsis
When a group of young Brisbane locals discover that 120 refugees are indefinitely detained in a nearby hotel, they start to protest together. Led by vivacious spokesperson Dane and her friends, it grows rapidly to a national movement. Dane meets Sabah, whose husband Saif is detained in the hotel and has been forcibly separated from her and their son. Sabah and Saif become central figures in gathering momentum for the movement. But Sabah is desperately ill, and Dane steps in to help her care for her toddler. Meanwhile the refugees and activists persevere in their protests, and despite interventions from authorities at every level, they start to see some change. This story is not about politics, but people- showing that in coming together we may find hope for a better tomorrow.
Story
Amidst Australia’s first COVID-induced lockdown, a group of friends set alight a frenetic campaign of street activism calling for the freedom of the 120 refugees being detained in their local hotel. When a Somali woman called Sabah joins them, demanding that her husband inside be allowed to hug their 3 year old son, the movement grows rapidly. Casting a light on the human cost of immigration policies, Sabah and her husband, Saif, play a central role in the campaign’s momentum. As the family face increasing challenges in their fight to be reunited, they are supported by Dane, a vivacious spokesperson for the movement. Together, they navigate Australia’s flawed perception and policies surrounding refugees in a gripping, action-packed and soul-stirring journey. Think: the chaos of Boys State, with the warmth and inspiration of Crip Camp, and a style reminiscent of The Tinder Swindler. Let Them Hug is an impact feature film for the young people who gloomily look at the state of the world right now and want to do something about it. The story begins when Dane receives a message request from a refugee who has been stuck in detention for over 7 years. Dane and her friends are propelled into action and set alight a bold and turbulent campaign calling for the freedom of the 120 refugees who are kept in Kangaroo Point Hotel, down the road from her. Soon after, thousands of locals gather for a rally to demand that the refugees are released by Christmas that year. At the rally, dozens of detainees stand on the balconies of the hotel. One man, Saif, holds a sign saying “I miss my family, they are in the community” with the photo of a wide-eyed toddler. This toddler, Saami, stands in the crowd on the road, clutching the hand of his mother, Sabah as Saif tells the story of his family’s separation. Saif ends with a question: “Australian Border Force, can I hug my son?” First one person, then thousands begin chanting: “Let him hug his son!” Thus starts a year of action, including a 73 day blockade, combusting the locals of Kangaroo Point into a movement that’s soon stamped on screens across Australia. Any other commitments held by Dane and the activists fall away, as they become completely absorbed in the plights of the men inside Kangaroo Point Hotel, and leading actions on the outside. Dane’s tireless work brings her into collision with Sabah and their friendship quickly blooms. Though a decade apart in age and a world apart in cultures, they both share a strong maternal side and an infectious warmth towards others. Dane and her friends become Sabah’s lifeline as she is rushed in and out of hospital for multiple procedures. All the while Saif, sits alone in a hotel room on the other side of town. Finally, after a year of escalation, a supreme court order, an emergency operation and a life changing phone call, the family are settled in the USA and get their happy ever after.
Production Stage
- Development
- Production
- Post-production
- Completed
- Outreach
DURATION: 75 MINUTES
Issue area
HUMAN RIGHTS & SOCIAL JUSTICE
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