Award of Merit – “Chains 1856” (Australia)

Title: Chains 1856
Runtime: 7 min
Country: Australia  
Director: Suzie Hinds
Placement: Award of Merit
Competition: June, 2020

Synopsis: In the 1850’s transportation to Van Diemen’s Land, was coming to an end. Sentenced as convicts to the Cascade Women’s Factory, Ann and Bridget find out how harsh Hobart Town really is.

When Ann’s baby dies of Diphtheria, her friend Bridget helps her to understand. It’s this place and time that can destroy one’s soul, but the savvy Bridget does what it takes to get her to grieve.

Blood, sweat and chains, shape one’s character on the Island called Tasmania. 

‘But are these CHAINS ever broken?’