background to the project

Two years ago I watched as the issue of unauthorised refugee arrivals in Australia came to the forefront of public consciousness through a tragic series of events. My disbelief turned to horror as events moved from the Tampa standoff, to the children who weren’t thrown overboard and ultimately to the sinking of the SIEV X. This film came out of the feelings of frustration and disillusionment I experienced when I witnessed these events and the way Australian politicians and the wider community were treating people coming to Australia in search of a safe place.

Many issues have shaped this documentary.
Things such as the particular subject matter, the participants’ desire for anonymity, decisions that I made regarding translation and subtitling and the very real impact of the uncertain life of a refugee, have all had their influence upon the final shape of the film. Right from the start, the project was conceived of in terms of collaboration with the participants. A process of negotiated filmmaking was employed where the participants were consulted throughout the production of the film so that they had a say in how they, and their stories were represented. My aim was to produce a film that made evident the participants’ humanity but the way we achieved this was also important.

Through “Out of Fear” the hope is to get people to take another look at the way they think about the issues surrounding refugees and the role Australia has to play. While I don’t believe that a documentary film, on its own, can change the world I do still have this hope that every little act can collectively make a difference.

For more information contact:
Bettina Frankham by email: