The Island
Synopsis
50 million crabs migrate from the jungle to the ocean's edge on Christmas Island, while thousands of asylum seekers remain in a high-security detention facility.
Synopsis
Poh Lin, a trauma counsellor on Christmas Island, works with asylum seekers detained in a high-security facility. She witnesses their struggles with mental health as they face indefinite confinement and uncertainty. The documentary contrasts their plight with the natural migration of 50 million crabs from the jungle to the ocean. As Poh Lin reflects on her clients' experiences, she expresses concern over the normalization of their suffering and the disappearance of individuals within the detention system.
Deep Dive
Why Watch
- Follow Poh Lin as she facilitates healing through sandplay.
- See the emotional impact of asylum-seeking on individuals.
- Meet people who share their harrowing experiences at sea.
Did You Know
- Participants in sandplay sessions report a reduction in nightmares over time.
- One individual described the moment their boat sank, saying it felt like everyone was together in the water.
- A participant recalled hearing an immigration officer say, 'You will never settle in Australia.'
- The documentary shows that it is not illegal to seek asylum.
Perfect For
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens to people who seek asylum on the island?
People who seek asylum are often told they can only eat their meals at specific times and have limited choices.
What did the person hear from immigration while in the water?
The person heard, 'You will never settle in Australia' from an immigration officer.
What is the current situation regarding human life on the island?
The respect for human life has quickly unraveled, leading to harm for everyone involved in the system.
What are people saying?
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