Director’s Statement

This is my first documentary feature. Originally, I conceived Freedom Is Beautiful as a long short. However, as we began shooting, it became clear that two men who were the subjects of the film, Farhad, and Moz, were exceptional people:  a short documentary would not be able to adequately explain their story. They have brilliantly complementary personalities, Farhad, more physical and intuitive, Moz the more inwardly reflective and strategic. Farhad has a natural affinity to connect with people, Moz a talent to inspire.

Amplifying their own voices been a cornerstone of the documentary’s approach, allowing both men to tell their own stories in their own words. Craig Foster, a long-time friend of both men is a high profile former national football captain, broadcaster and human rights activist that has been instrumental in their story. He is briefly featured as the only other voice.

My objective as a filmmaker was first and foremost, to make Freedom Is Beautiful an engaging and inspirational work of film in its own right, regardless of the social issue around human rights that was its genesis. At the same time, it is intended to move and inform people, humanising the plight of thousands who have suffered under Australia’s hard-line refugee policy by drilling down on the experiences of these two men and making them relatable to us.

A version of the very popular, sublimely beautiful Kurdish song, “Mey” (wine) written and recorded by one of the world’s most famous Kurdish artists, Firmesk Hafez, is performed by Farhad and Moz in the closing sequence. The track has been recorded and produced by Nick Didia, who is a multi-Grammy award winning music producer and engineer who recorded albums with Pearl Jam and Bruce Springsteen among others.

Under international law, to which Australia is a signatory, any individual fleeing persecution in their home countries is permitted to seek asylum in Australia without a visa and may arrive by any mode of transport. However, since 2013, the Federal Government has continued to ignore its obligations, consciously prepared to inflict suffering and hardship on thousands of innocent and vulnerable people who have fled conflict and persecution in search of safety.

The film has two pivotal themes:

1/The role of music and art as and effective means for the men to psychologically cope with their situation and its crucial role as a means of engaging in peaceful struggle against the regime.

2/The notions of community, connection and mutual support that were a strong feature of both men’s ability to overcome their compromised mental health and maintain their struggle while in detention for so many years. The strong relationships they formed with Australians on the outside was a critical part of their survival and were also often equally beneficial and empowering for those who extended their friendship to both men.

To be able to share the personal stories of these two men and develop a deep friendship with them along the way was a genuine privilege.

Angus McDonald

Director