PROJECTS -- > Passing Lines - 35:35 - 2009

Produced by Estelle Hébert
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Form: Sound/audio documentary
Length: 35 minutes approx.
Official Website: http://www.passinglines.com

Sound recording/mixing/underscore by Estelle Hébert
Mastering by Stéphane Bourassa
Music provided by Intermède musique

Synopsis:

Over the last century, millions of people have been forced out of their homes, or have decided themselves to escape their habitat, community, and culture in the hope of a better future, while seeking a safer and brighter life. Moving from place to place, these individuals--known as refugees--must also face the uncertainty of obtaining their refugee status within a given country. Particularly for those who have been persecuted for reasons related to their sexual identity, obtaining legal recognition as a refugee can be quite complex. They are asked to provide ample evidence to prove their sexual identity, in addition to sharing their story in a clear and sufficient manner.

Drawing on themes related to traveling, movement, change, and identity, Passing Lines--an audio-based documentary--explores the tensions and difficulties that exist between the rigid structures enforced by Immigration and those traveling individuals who have made their refugee claim based on their sexual identity. Combining soundscapes and testimonies obtained from outside the judicial system, Passing Lines tells the story of three different queer refugees' journey to Canada, exploring new ground by emphasizing sound as traveling speech, testimony, and story within a society where visuality continues to be privileged.

Exhibition date:
Documentary Now Festival
NFB John Spotton Theatre
June 2009