Australian
Screen

an NFSA website




The Isabellas: The Long March (1995)

Synopsis

Chen Xing Liang attained refugee status after six months in detention. He arrived in northern Australia by boat along with 56 other Chinese. He retells the story of his journey and first year in Australia. Chen revisits the property where he was rescued and recalls his feelings about life in Australia and talks to other Chinese who are still in detention.

Curator’s notes

Chen Xing Liang tells his own story in voice-over and interaction with other people. Chen occasionally addresses the camera and revisits the places he first encountered. The story is engaging as it is up-close and personal. The intimacy revealed by this technique makes the sometimes-slow viewing worthwhile.