News

Indonesia and Australia – Let’s Swap Lives

Have you ever thought what it would be like to live in someone else’s shoes, literally ‘swap lives’ with a stranger? Testing your comfort zone?

Swapping Lives grew from an original idea by HAI staff member, Peter Dunn, who co-produced the documentary.   Peter has worked with Indonesian people for over 8 years and was challenged by the lack of undertsanding in Australia about its neighbour and their Islamic faith.

He said HAI employs professionals wanting to make a difference in the Asia Pacific region and resolved that a documentary was a potentially meaningful way of examining bigotry, racism and intolerance, and the potential for harmony through diversity. HAI provided in kind, support and a $20,000 sponsorship at a critical ‘make or break’ time in the production of the documentary.

HAI and the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia, recently co hosted the screening of the documentary at the National Museum of Australia. Over a hundred people attended including the Indonesian Ambassador Mr Mohammad Hamzah Thayeb, who presented the opening address.

The evening was a great success with the highlight being the reuniting of the stars of the documentary, Violet and Dewi since completing the film, some ten months ago.    After the screening, both girls participated in a discussion with the audience, further outlining the challenges they encountered.

Further information on Swapping Lives is available on: www.sbs.com.au/swappinglives