Batoor: A Refugee Journey

Join us for an inspiring film ‘Batoor: A Refugee Journey’ that delves into the extraordinary journey of Barat Ali Batoor, a multi-award-winning documentary photographer and filmmaker.

As a Hazara asylum seeker, Batoor’s work offers an unfiltered look at resilience, exile, and the human cost of displacement.

Forced to flee his homeland of Afghanistan after exposing child exploitation in The Washington Post, Batoor became a target of life-threatening persecution. His journey took him across Pakistan, Thailand, Indonesia, and ultimately to Australia, capturing the raw and powerful stories of asylum seekers along the way.

With accolades including two Walkley Awards and international recognition for his photography, Batoor’s work has been exhibited worldwide. His documentary film, Batoor: A Refugee Journey, further cemented his reputation as a storyteller of unparalleled depth, earning him the Best Director award at the Melbourne Documentary Film Festival.

This event offers an intimate look into Batoor’s life, his pursuit of justice, and the untold narratives behind the global asylum seeker crisis. Don’t miss this chance to experience the evocative storytelling of a man who continues to transform his struggles into art that resonates across borders.s potent photo essay exposing one of Afghanistan’s darkest secrets – the brutal trade in young ‘dancing boys’ for the purposes of entertainment and forced prostitution. With death threats looming over his head, he embarked on a journey that would see him cross three continents. Remarkably, he photographed and filmed his entire journey - creating an insightful record of the dangerous world of asylum seekers, people smuggling and cross-border trafficking.

His film documents not only his journey but the lives of asylum seekers who make perilous journeys to escape persecution. Batoor: A Refugee Journey also presents a life-affirming journey of courage and determination in the face of insurmountable odds and is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

Duration: 90 minutes

Note: This event is recommended for ages 12 and above.