This exceptional film is based on the real life, controversial story of Margaret Humphreys. Portrayed by the luminous Emily Watson, Humphreys is a social worker from Nottingham who uncovered one of the most significant social scandals of recent times: the deportation of thousands of children from the United Kingdom to Australia.

Producer Camilla Bray worked with the producing team behind the Oscar winning film The King’s Speech, Iain Canning and Australia’s own Emile Sherman, to bring this story to the screen. Hugo Weaving and David Wenham both deliver towering performances as two people, Jack and Len, who are greatly affected by their lack of history and family. Jack is utterly dedicated to finding out the truth about his past with Margaret’s help, as the film weaves between England and Australia. While Len starts out very antagonistic, his relationship with Margaret is fascinating, as he reveals he is equally determined to find the truth.

Against overwhelming odds and with little regard for her own well-being, Margaret reunited thousands of families. Almost single-handedly, she brought authorities to account and drew worldwide attention to these abominable miscarriages of justice. Children as young as four had been told that their parents were dead, and were sent to children's homes on the other side of the world. Many were subjected to appalling abuse. They were promised oranges and sunshine: but they got hard labour and life in institutions.

This is the first feature by Jim Loach following a prolific career in television in the United Kingdom. Rona Munro’s brilliant script explores the nature of identity and what happens when you take it away from people entirely. Building on the script, Loach’s measured approach to the emotions surrounding this subject matter, gives everyone in the film an inherent dignity that takes audiences on a journey that is ultimately filled with hope and honour.

Short Screening before the feature:

The Lost Thing

Thursday 26-May-2011, 6:30 PM

Opening Night Gala, special live performance of the score by Michael Yezerski to this Oscar winning short film.