When GANGgajang musician Robbie James first mentioned that he was making an album with people seeking asylum, (now Producer/Director) John Swatland really wanted to hear the music and more about their stories.

After interviewing Robbie, Mas and Saha, John and his wife Lizzi were both deeply moved and filled with a desire to take their important stories to a wider audience.  “We were overwhelmed by how open and generous they were and also shocked at the way our country was treating these talented and sensitive people.  The more we learned on our journey into the issue, the more concerned and committed to change we became.”   

A series of lucky events and connections with a swag of concerned high profile musicians took place in quick succession. They agreed to share not only their passion for music but also their thoughts on the threat of loss of Australia’s ethos of fairness and tolerance. 

Popular musicians Missy Higgins and John Butler along with Shane Howard (Goanna) and folk hero Eric Bogle all put their hands up.  Indigenous musicians Archie Roach and Dan Sultan, jazz great Vince Jones and the pure voiced Katie Noonan were all keen and even American artist Michael Franti was enthusiastic about helping us give our Australian story a global context.

On the soundtrack Robbie’s outstanding cover version of Pink Floyd’s On the Turning Away is a song that illustrates perfectly both Saha’s personal journey as well as the themes of rejection of those suffering from poverty and oppression and the ‘other’.  Six original Scattered People songs are also featured in the documentary, each reflecting different aspects of the lives of those experiencing forced migration - now a global phenomenon with ramifications that are affecting us all.

Producers John and Lizzi Swatland have always had a passion for the arts, music and making a positive difference and they see this documentary as helping promote wellbeing on a wider community and national level by influencing the national conversation towards a more kind and compassionate tone.  The chance to make a film that might also help reframe the asylum seeker narrative toward one of opportunity and continued nation building seemed a good place to start.

“This is our first Being Reel Films broadcast documentary film and we have found nothing but enthusiastic industry support.  With a unique story, an experienced team around us and a strong passion to make a difference then these important voices can and will be heard. ”

    (c) 2017