Passing Lines
"Sometimes I feel like it's not real.
Sometimes I wish it's a dream."
"I was just going day by day
hoping that it will end tomorrow."
Intro
Intent
Listen
Support
introduction
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.
intent
"The most questionable question, 'Where are you from?' should never replace 'In what way can your past and present experience contribute to everybody's well-being today and tomorrow?' " - Krzysztof Wodiczko
This question has resonated within me as a documentary practitioner since I first began my research, and I have chosen to explore it by embracing the form of an audio-based documentary to provide audiences with a listening experience that can contribute positively to their understanding of queer refugee claimants. With Passing Lines, I provide an opportunity for certain individuals and groups to share their stories by passing segments of their testimonies within a space open to the public. I hope to propel thought and discussion to those who have never experienced being a refugee in an effort to make the unfamiliar familiar, in addition to generating connections amongst individuals of the queer refugee community as they relate to one anothers stories.
listen
Passing Lines: 35:35. Click to play.
Alvaro remains in hiding... awaiting an answer to his applicaton to stay in Canada on humanitarian and compassionate grounds.
Linda appealed her case in December 2008. She has not been in contact since. The outcome of her appeal is unknown.
Silo is now a permanent resident of Canada.
I would like to thank the following people for their support throughout the production and writing of this project: Alvaro, Daniel, Jorge, Leo, Linda, Nav, Nelson, Shahrouz, Silo, Suhail Abualsameed & SOY, Dan Trepanier & MCCT, Lucy Hill & Adam's House, Amnesty International, Christopher Reed & Intermede music, SJB, Diane Lajeunesse, Phillip Eller, Lila Pine, Ed Slopek & Izabella Pruska-Oldenhof.
support
There are numerous ways you can support individuals seeking legal refugee status: sign petitions; write letters or make a phone call to the minister of Citizenship and Immigration; donate to and/or volunteer in shelters, or for special events organized by activists & non-profit organizations; etc.
The following links will redirect you to specific websites associated to
individuals and non-profit organizations who are active in the community:
Help Alvaro remain in Canada :
Let Leo Stay
Support Our Youth
No One is Illegal
519 Community Centre
Amnesty International - Toronto
Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto
contact info: passinglines_gmail.com
last updated 24-05-2009
www.estellehebert.com
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"With respects to my life being in danger,
I felt that way since I realized I was gay."
