The Way to Freedom (Part 1: The Journey)" is a heartfelt documentary that follows the journey of refugees fleeing war-torn countries in search of safety and a new life in Australia. The film chronicles the experiences of local immigrants in Greater Shepparton, from their first steps upon arrival to their integration into the community.
Over 350 students and staff from Greater Shepparton Secondary College participated in the making of this film, highlighting the collective effort to tell these powerful stories. Through intimate interviews and storytelling, the documentary sheds light on the challenges refugees face, while showcasing the hope, resilience, and strength that drive them forward. By focusing on their journey to enrolling their children in local schools, the film emphasizes the transformative power of education and community in creating a path to freedom.
The Way to Freedom is just the beginning. Future instalments, such as Part 2: The Camp, will explore the refugee experience in even greater depth, shedding light on the camps where many refugees live before their resettlement. This multi-part series aims to provide a comprehensive and humanizing view of the refugee journey, creating empathy and fostering a deeper understanding within the Greater Shepparton community.
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Director Biography – Hussam Saraf, Darryl McConnell 
Hussam Saraf is a passionate Multicultural Liaison Officer and storyteller who uses film as a powerful tool for raising awareness and fostering understanding across cultures. While The Way to Freedom marks Hussam’s debut as a director of a short film, his commitment to social issues and community engagement has been a driving force in his career.
Hussam is the author of Between the Ashes and the Stars: A Window into the Lives of Refugee Students (2017), a book that offers an in-depth look into the challenges and triumphs of refugee students. He is also the forthcoming author of Embracing Diversity in Education: A Call to Redefine Our Future (2025), which explores the significance of diversity in shaping educational systems. Through these works and his role as a Multicultural Liaison Officer, Hussam has become an advocate for refugee and immigrant communities, striving to create more inclusive and compassionate environments.
In The Way to Freedom, Hussam directs a compelling documentary that tells the stories of refugees as they navigate their journey to safety and build new lives in Australia. The film highlights the experiences of local refugees and the role of education in their integration into the community. Hussam’s passion for telling human stories and his belief in the power of education are evident throughout the film.
Though Hussam is relatively new to filmmaking, his work reflects a deep understanding of the refugee experience and a unique perspective on multiculturalism. Through his work, he hopes to inspire change, create empathy, and encourage greater connection within communities.
Director Statement
The Way to Freedom is a project that holds deep personal and professional meaning for me. As a Multicultural Liaison Officer and someone who works closely with refugees and immigrant communities, I have witnessed the strength, resilience, and hope that drive individuals to seek safety and a better life. This film is not just a documentary; it is an opportunity to amplify the voices of those who have often been marginalized and to share the deeply human stories of refugees who have made Greater Shepparton their home.
My goal with The Way to Freedom was to tell a story that is both powerful and intimate capturing the stages of the refugee journey, from fleeing war-torn countries to the process of integrating into Australian society. It was important for me to show not just the challenges but also the triumphs and moments of hope along the way. This film is a celebration of the strength of refugees, and it’s a reminder of the transformative power of community and education.
The involvement of over 350 students and staff from Greater Shepparton Secondary College was vital to the project. Their participation and dedication to telling these stories brought an incredible sense of authenticity and heart to the film. It was a true collective effort, an expression of the community coming together to understand the experiences of refugees and immigrants.
As this is my first foray into filmmaking, I approach it with humility and a deep sense of responsibility. I see storytelling as a tool for creating empathy, bridging gaps, and challenging misconceptions. With The Way to Freedom, I hope to contribute to a broader understanding of the refugee experience and inspire people to think more deeply about the values of compassion, inclusion, and the importance of supporting those who are starting anew in a foreign land.
