Twenty five years after the Tampa crisis dominated headlines, ABC is revisiting the extraordinary eight day standoff with a new three part documentary.
Through firsthand accounts from refugees, the ship’s captain, politicians and former Prime Minister John Howard, Tampa: The Turning Point examines the events that continue to shape immigration policy today.
The three part series marks the 25th anniversary of the 2001 Tampa crisis, which began after the Norwegian freighter MV Tampa rescued 433 asylum seekers from an overcrowded vessel in the Indian Ocean, triggering an eight day political and humanitarian standoff involving the Australian Government.
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According to the ABC, Tampa: The Turning Point brings together the voices of those directly involved, including refugees, MV Tampa captain Arne Rinnan, politicians and former Prime Minister John Howard, to examine how the events unfolded and the lasting impact they continue to have on immigration policy in Australia and around the world.
The documentary was first revealed by production company Mint Pictures in March, when it announced it was producing a three part series under the working title Tampa: The Ship That Turned the Tide. ABC has now confirmed the completed series will air as Tampa: The Turning Point.
The broadcaster describes the series as “a gripping, comprehensive account of the eight day crisis”, examining how Australia’s response to the Tampa affair was internationally condemned at the time and continues to shape immigration policies across the globe.
Directed by Kriv Stenders and produced by Dan Goldberg, the series is a Mint Pictures production for the ABC, with major production investment from the ABC and Screen Australia, and financing support from Screen NSW.
Tampa: The Turning Point premieres Tuesday 1 September at 8.30pm on ABC TV, with all three episodes available to stream on ABC iview from Wednesday 26 August.
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