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For people seeking asylum in Australia, it can be dangerous to speak publicly about their situation while they await legal protection. Because of this, their stories go unheard. They’re hidden.
But as part of Refugee Week, the Art Gallery of NSW and the Asylum Seekers Centre will debut a year-long project called Hidden Stories to share these tales of inner strength and endurance as told through a series of short films.
Empowered by a team of volunteer animators, five members of the Asylum Seekers Centre community share their stories of humanity, cruelty and kindness in a series of stylistically vibrant videos.
Max, a musician, exposed corruption through his lyrics and joined protests in Iran before enduring brutality at the hands of the government and seeking safety in Sydney.
Yara, a mother and writer, reflects on the importance of honouring her family’s Muslim culture while navigating the challenges of displacement.
Ami, who describes sensitivity as his superpower, recounts his flight from persecution due to his sexuality and his arrival in a land that accepts him.
Ayan reflects on the struggles for food and shelter while seeking asylum but also the kindness discovered in a time of need.
Adrita, a former teacher and disability support worker, explains how she chooses compassion at every opportunity — even in the face of racism.
“I want people to understand that seeking asylum is a human right and each of us has a story,” Adrita said.
Animation director Kate Knott adds, “I hope the films communicate the courage and compassion of the five storytellers. Australia is lucky to have them.”
Writer and producer Ella Palileo adds, “Hidden Stories disrupts rhetoric that reduces people seeking asylum to a political football, and counters those with raw stories teeming with real pain but also deep hope.”
Hidden Stories transforms privacy into presence, allowing five storytellers from our community to share their truth with safety and visibility.
The public is invited to the debut screening of Hidden Stories with an introduction by Asylum Seekers Centre CEO Elijah Buol OAM and a speech from refugee storyteller Thouraya Lahmadi.
More information HERE.
Wednesday, 17 June 2026, 6-9 PM Centenary Auditorium, Art Gallery of NSW
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Established in 1993, the Asylum Seekers Centre is Australia’s oldest organisation dedicated to helping people who seek asylum. In the last financial year, we supported approximately 4,600 people from more than 90 countries.
Media contact:
For more information or to request an interview, contact Conrad Walters on comms@asylumseekerscentre.org.au.
