“Leaving Limbo” – Press release
This beautifully shot observational documentary tells the inspiring story of teenage best friends and former asylum seekers Natasha and Minahil as they prepare to sit their Leaving Cert.
Natasha Maimba and Minahil Sarfraz met whilst growing up as asylum seekers in Direct Provision, their childhoods spent in cramped caravans on the outskirts of Athlone.
Both spent years in limbo, not knowing if they would be able to stay in the country they were making home. Their mothers were not allowed to work and were denied basic citizenship rights.
Finally granted leave to remain, ‘Leaving Limbo’ follows the journey of these articulate, intelligent and funny young women as they prepare to sit their Leaving Cert exams.
As we approach the 20th anniversary of the Direct Provision system, the film sheds light on what it is like to live as a young asylum seeker in Ireland and what it is like “being Irish” when your parents come from a different country.
Full of humour and insight – audiences will be inspired by the determination of these two young women to not only overcome the obstacles of their past, but to also change the world through their work as UNICEF ambassadors.
These two young women are powerful advocates for issues facing asylum seekers and through their work for UNICEF Ireland have already reached mass audiences around the world.
In addition to a 1 x 52 minute film for RTÉ One Natasha and Minahil will also present six short films for an online audience for RTÉ Player offering their own funny and personal guide to the Leaving Cert.
‘Leaving Limbo’ is co-directed by Maurice O’Brien and Cara Holmes, edited by Cara Holmes and produced by Maurice O’Brien for Lifeblood Films.
The film was funded by the BAI and RTE and the Exec producer for RTÉ is Colm O’Callaghan.