FILM EVENT: CHAUKA PLEASE TELL US THE TIME – filmed in Manus detention.
Amnesty International has said that the detention of Asylum Seekers is a form of torture, and certainly that is used to deter other refugees from attempting to come to Australia. What is more this method is being adopted by other countries as a way to stop refugees seeking refuge.
“Chauka Please Tell Us The Time” is filmed by Behrouz Boochani a journalist who spent several years in Manus detention and watched men suicide in despair . This film was taken there and shows us the hopelessness of life in detention where the men waited to hear the bird Chauka sing to know the days were passing- a symbol of despair to the imprisoned men, where it was the name of the solitary confinement unit. At the same time the Chauka is a symbol of beauty to the people of Manus.
This amazing film taken in detention shows the despair and sadness, but the film-maker wants to show that refugees are human beings, that they deserve better treatment, and that their suffering is destroying them.
Come to Avalon Baptist Church 2 George St. on Sunday 1st July at 5pm. Free entry but voluntary donations to Amnesty are welcome. Free supper. We are hoping to have a Q & A with a representative from Amnesty International.
Note that Australia at present has 1600 adults and 140 children in various detention centres!
Avalon Baptist Church 