The Loving Podcast

Mimona (Meymuna) Abdalla was seven years old when she arrived in Australia. For a girl who grew up in a small hut in a remote village in Sudan, Australia’s beauty amazed her and the 
opportunities made her feel invincible. But upon attending school, she was faced with a new challenge. The food she brought to school was ‘smelly’ to the other children, the colour of her skin was questioned and the language she spoke brought about confusion. She knew she had a 
deep and rich culture, and wanted more than anything to share it with the people she met.  But it took her time to find her space, and  she is now more than ready to talk.

In this episode of The Loving Podcast, Genna Chanelle Hayes speaks with Mimona (Meymuna) Abdalla about the differences between the migrant journey and the  refugees/asylum seeker journey, and integrating into Australian society from Africa as a child.

Guest Instagram:  @globalspeakersbureau
Guest Website:  www.globalspeakers.com.au
Host Instagram:  @gennachanelle  @thelovingpodcast @akonifilm
Podcast Website:  thelovingpodcast.com

Calum Stewart is a exceptionally talented Scottish Cinematographer based in Sydney. He co-created Australian Nigerian feature film AKONI alongside filmmaker Genna Chanelle Hayes.

In this episode, Genna  and Calum delve into the process of independent filmmaking in Australia, and discuss the beauty and challenges of making their debut feature film AKONI.  They talk about mental health challenges faced by Australian artists, and the importance of finding your tribe in the film/arts industry to ensure that you are supported through the creative process.  


Guest Instagram:  @calumstewartdop @akonifilm
Host Instagram:  @gennachanelle  @thelovingpodcast @akonifilm
Episode non-profit:  Human Rights for All
Non Profit Instagram:  @humanrights4a
Non Profit Website:  www.hr4a.com.au
Podcast Website:  thelovingpodcast.com

Hosein Latifi is an Iranian refugee and has spent the last nine years of his life in Australia's offshore detention centres.   He was finally released  into the Australian community this year.  Today, Genna Chanelle Hayes spoke to him 5 days after his freedom came.

The highly-anticipated debut feature film from Australian filmmaker Genna Chanelle Hayes.

A  refugee struggles to integrate into Western society after fleeing conflict, until he meets a woman who opens her home, and ultimately her heart, to him.

Starring Kit Esuruoso, Genna Chanelle Hayes, Mark Coles Smith, Jemima Osunde, Ophelia Dzidzornu & Pippa Grandison.
With Simon Elrahi, Rashidi Edward, Jack Ellis, Gemma Forsyth, Marlikka Perdrisat and Firdaws Adelpour.

Written, Directed & Produced by Genna Chanelle Hayes.
Cinematography by Calum Stewart.

Official Trailer:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MEqZ9Q_Awkk

Follow the journey:
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Exclusive Behind The Scenes Images: http://instagram.com/akonifilm
Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/gennachanelle