Holocaust survivor Ulah Lippmann hears of a terrorist attack in her Melbourne neighbourhood, she has no idea she’ll soon find herself held hostage by a Muslim radical on the run after the bombing. Desperately wounded, Sadiq Mohammed sees Ulah’s flat as a place to hide while he plans his next move. And so begins a terrifying ordeal that will force Ulah and Sadiq to confront their own pasts – at times driven by mutual need; at times by unexpected revelations; at times by events outside the room. Fear and hatred turn to sympathy as Ulah takes control, not turning Sadiq in, but nursing him until she discovers his shocking secret...
Acting
Julia Blake's weathered, defiant vulnerability carries every scene.
Writing
Dialogue that dares you to empathize with someone you shouldn't.
Director
David Pulbrook
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Julia Blake was 75 during filming and had previously played a Holocaust survivor in 1986's 'Shoah' documentary footage—this role was written specifically for her.
The film sparked controversy in Australian Jewish-Muslim dialogue circles for its perceived both-sides-ism; director Pulbrook maintained the hostage dynamic was inspired by real 2008 Mumbai attacks survivor testimonies.
AU
