From Far Away to G'Day

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OUR DREAM is to produce an independent and non-for-profit documentary showcasing the inspiring stories of 6 individuals from the new generation of Asian immigrants in Australia. About their journeys from international students to professionals making meaningful contributions.

OUR MAIN GOAL is to challenge stereotypes, foster inclusion, and change how international students and Asian immigrants are perceived by average Australians.

Media Release

POSTER GALLERY

E01 Episode 1 Poster of the documentary From Far Away to G'Day

E02 Episode 2 Poster of the documentary From Far Away to G'Day

E03 Episode 3 Poster of the documentary From Far Away to G'Day

E04 Episode 4 Poster of the documentary From Far Away to G'Day

E05 Episode 5 Poster of the documentary From Far Away to G'Day

E06 Episode 6 Poster of the documentary From Far Away to G'Day

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FILM HIGHLIGHTS

Showcase how Australia's education system has profoundly shaped the 6 immigrants' professional and personal lives, opening doors to new opportunities.
Celebrate the invaluable contributions these migrants have made across all sectors, demonstrating their integral role in the fabric of modern, multicultural Australia.
Highlight the vital role of community support in helping individuals thrive, fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment in Australia.
Challenge perceptions and stereotypes, fostering a deeper understanding of the resilience, dedication, and contributions of Asian immigrants.

ABOUT THE FILM

This documentary tells the powerful and inspiring stories of six individuals who began their lives in Australia as international students. From their first steps on Australian soil to their journeys through university, their transition into the professional world, and their eventual contributions to Australian society, this film captures the heart, hustle, and hope that define their experiences. Through intimate interviews and candid storytelling, the documentary explores the challenges, struggles, and stereotypes they faced as they navigated life in a new country. It delves into their moments of doubt, their resilience in the face of adversity, and their determination to carve out a place for themselves in a society that often viewed them as outsiders.

But this is more than a story of struggle — it’s a celebration of belonging, identity, and contribution. Each of the six protagonists has not only found their place in Australia but has also made significant contributions to their communities, industries, and the broader Australian society. Their journeys are a testament to the transformative power of diversity, perseverance, and the human spirit.

OUR VISION

This documentary envisions an Australia that truly embraces its multicultural identity by celebrating the contributions of Asian immigrants and international students. By showcasing their inspiring journeys, it aims to challenge negative stereotypes and shift perceptions, fostering greater understanding and empathy among Australians.

The film seeks to inspire individuals and decision-makers to create opportunities for culturally diverse talents, positioning multiculturalism as a core national strength. Ultimately, it strives to build a more inclusive and equitable society, where diversity is not only acknowledged but embraced as a driving force for progress and unity.

WHY IT MATTERS?

The documentary addresses the lack of balanced representation of Asian immigrants and international students in Australia. Despite making up 17.4% of the population (2021 Census), their contributions are often overlooked, leaving room for negative stereotypes fuelled by political and media narratives. But this is not any run-of-the-mill multicultural documentary. It doesn’t dwell on racism or the ceilings these immigrants face. Instead, it explores their deep love for Australia — one not always returned. They proudly fly the Australian flag yet are often seen as foreigners.

Through six inspiring Asian immigrants who began as international students, we highlight their achievements and the vital role of multiculturalism. In a country that values "mateship" and a "fair go," why do barriers persist? By celebrating these stories, we aim to provoke thought, foster inclusion, and champion diversity as a national strength, not a challenge.

TARGET AUDIENCE

Prospective International Students and Parents

Transformation through Education:

Showcases how Australian education has transformed the lives of Asian immigrants.
Provides a narrative that eases concerns and inspires confidence for prospective students.
Illustrates successful integration and future opportunities.

Australian Employers and Leaders

Contributions to Innovation and Growth:

Highlights the contributions of Asian immigrants to innovation, creativity, and growth in the workplace.
Encourages employers to seek and nurture diverse talent, promoting inclusive leadership.

Asian Community in Australia

Pride and Community:

Reflects the achievements and contributions of Asian immigrants positively.
Reinforces cultural identity and community pride.
Fosters a sense of belonging and encourages participation in multicultural society.

General Public

Dispelling Stereotypes:

Challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about Asian immigrants.
Showcases them as active contributors to Australia’s social, economic, and cultural life.
Promotes a more inclusive and appreciative view of diversity in modern Australia.

EPISODE SYNOPSIS

MAIN CHARACTERS

Glaciologist

Dr. Chen Zhao

Dr. Chen Zhao was born in Huaxian, Anyang City, China and came to Australia in 2014 as an international student.

She is an Australian Research Council DECRA Fellow and receipt of the J G Russell Award as one of top DECRA receipts. She is a glaciologist and an ice sheet modeler affiliated with the Australian Antarctic Program Partnership at the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania (UTAS).

She is interested in exploring the sea-level contributions from the Antarctic Ice Sheet in a changing climate and assessing the impact of climate systems on large ice sheets with numerical modelling. She has secured $1.9 million in research funding and $1.52 million in-kind support from the National Computing Merit Allocation Scheme.

She led the only Australian group to participate in the Ice Sheet Model Intercomparison Project (ISMIP6), contributing to the sea-level rise projections in the IPCC AR6 report, for which she received the Richardson Medal by the International Glaciological Society as part of the ISMIP6 team.

Dr. Zhao is deeply passionate about elucidating the connection between the Antarctic ice sheet and sea-level rise, and its implications for future generations. She represented early career scientists at COP27 in Egypt, volunteering in the Cryosphere Pavilion to elevate scientists' voices on the significant changes occurring in the cryosphere to governments, non-profits, and the media.

We're looking for:

An well-established Entrepreneur

A leader at one of the professional service organisations

A mid-career professional at one of the professional service organisations

An aspiring young engineer in private/public sector

A professional in Education or Health Care Industry

We are actively looking for candidates with extraordinary stories from diverse Asian cultural backgrounds such as Indian, Vietnamese, Indonesian, Malaysian, Japanese, or Korean.