The accolades keep coming for local resident Simon Reich's multi-media show 'Bonegilla: The Migrant's Journey'.
Inspired by his father’s survival of World War 2 and immigration to Australia, Simon created this multi-media show featuring interviews with migrants who came to the country between 1949 and '61, supported by live music.
It followed a podcast Simon created about his father, who came through the Bonegilla migrant camp near Albury/Wodonga.
After premiering in Sydney a few months ago before two sold-out crowds, 'Bonegilla: The Migrant's Journey' was invited back for a raft of shows later in 2025 and next year.
The initial podcasts received a National Trust of NSW Education award at the recent 2025 awards ceremony in Sydney, adding to the awards the project has already received.
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In addition, Simon edited the interviews to become a documentary, and this has just been shortlisted by the Melbourne Documentary Film Festival.
It was one of only 30 films chosen from thousands of entries - an amazing result for a first-time filmmaker.
"It's also a validation of the local Wangaratta and Albury/Wodonga people who put their trust in me to interview them on such a sensitive topic," Simon said.
"This is truly a win for the amazing former migrants whose stories are resonating with people all around Australia."
A screening of the documentary will take place as part of the film festival on Friday, 25 July from 7.30pm at Cinema Nova, 380 Lygon Street, Carlton, with a live piano and violin soundtrack in accompaniment.
