The $6.1 million government-funded film Journey, which is designed to deter asylum seekers from coming to Australia by boat, has begun being broadcast in Iran, Iraq, Pakistan and Afghanistan this year. In response to a question on notice from Senate estimates, the Department of Immigration and Border Protection said that the film would be repeated a number of times in the countries until July. This is how the department describes the film:
“The telemovie Journey is a ninety-minute film that is inspired by true events. It portrays the journeys of people looking to travel illegally by boat to Australia. It highlights their personal situations and challenges they face along their journey. It includes the messages delivered as part of the Australian Government’s No Way anti-people smuggling communication campaign. This includes the risks and dangers of travelling illegally by boat, the lies of people smugglers, and Australia’s protection measures to preserve the integrity of its borders, including boat turnbacks.”
After a bit of searching online, we’ve found the full version of the film (but not in English). Watch at your own peril. It’s not the feel-good family fun film of the year.
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