Deep Dive: The Island (2017)
Film Lens
The film takes place on an island where individuals seeking asylum share their experiences and emotions related to their journeys. Poh Lin facilitates sessions where participants can interact with sand, allowing them to express their stories in a personal way, free from the constraints of the detention system. This method provides a space for individuals to reflect on their past, including traumatic events like being in the water during a boat incident, and the impact of their experiences on their mental health. Participants report a reduction in nightmares and an ability to sleep better after engaging in these sessions.
The documentary also addresses the wider effects of the asylum-seeking process, highlighting the harsh realities faced by individuals in detention. It emphasizes the importance of human life and the unacceptable nature of people disappearing within the system. The film captures the emotional turmoil of those affected, as well as the systemic issues that contribute to their suffering, ultimately questioning the normalization of such treatment in society.
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
Mental health advocatesHuman rights supportersAsylum seeker awareness