Ballina Region For Refugees is bringing a new documentary to the Star Court Theatre in Lismore and then to Byron Bay to raise funds for the local refugee charity.
BR4R describes Scattered People: a song can take you home as an inspiring and thought-provoking documentary about music and humanity which paints a picture of life for musicians seeking asylum in an unwelcoming country.
‘It is a story of restitution and hope, of shared humanity and the role music can play in forging bonds of friendship and respect and giving voice to otherwise unsung heroes.’
The film features interviews with music icons including Missy Higgins, John Butler, Archie Roach, Michael Franti, Katie Noonan, Dan Sultan, Baker Boy, and Harry James Angus.
The Scattered People are a band of kindred spirit musicians in Brisbane, Australia who play, write and record the music and stories of asylum seekers they encounter in detention and community centres. The film follows their relationships, rehearsals and public performances, with heartfelt stories of courage and character as they create the album Sugarmill Road.
The film is produced and directed by John and Lizzi Swatland from Being Reel Films. You can find out more about the film here.
Tickets for the Lismore screening are $10 and can be purchased on-line at Star Court Theatre. There will also be a screening on 29 July at Byron Community Theatre.
All proceeds from the screenings will go to Ballina Region for Refugees.
Trailer below:
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
