Celebrating Our Students’ Powerful Storytelling: The Way to Freedom Documentary

We are proud to share an inspiring milestone from Greater Shepparton Secondary College, the heartfelt documentary The Way to Freedom (Part 1: The Journey), directed and written by our own Hussam Saraf (Sammy), who also serves as a Multicultural Liaison Officer, and produced and co-directed by Media, Photography and Videography Teacher Darryl McConnell.

This moving film follows the journey of refugees fleeing war-torn countries, seeking safety and a fresh start in Australia. Cantered on local immigrants in our Greater Shepparton community, the documentary chronicles their first steps upon arrival and their ongoing integration, focusing especially on their children enrolling in local schools.

Over 350 students and staff participated in bringing this important story to life, showcasing the power of collaboration and community. Through intimate interviews and storytelling, The Way to Freedom sheds light on the challenges refugees face, while highlighting the hope, resilience, and strength that define their journey.

The film also underscores the vital role of education and community support in creating a path to freedom, a message that resonates deeply within our school and the wider region.

Exciting News!

The Way to Freedom has been officially selected for the 2025 Multicultural Film Festival (MFF) and is a finalist in the prestigious Chairpersons Award category. This recognition by the Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) and Swinburne University of Technology celebrates the film’s powerful storytelling and its contribution to multicultural understanding.

This documentary is just the beginning of a multi-part series. Future instalments, such as Part 2: The Camp, will delve further into the refugee experience, exploring the camps where many refugees reside before resettling.

We congratulate everyone involved for their dedication, compassion, and creativity. This project not only amplifies voices that deserve to be heard but also fosters empathy and understanding in our wonderfully diverse community.

Hussam Saraf (Sammy),

Director and Writer of the film,

Multicultural Liaison Officer