It began as an audio project at SAE University College, then it became a major success on stage, now Simon Reich’s Bonegilla – The Migrant’s Journey is a hit documentary being showcased at Melbourne Documentary Film Festival (MDFF).
A story that began at home
Simon’s creative journey started with a podcast about his father, a German refugee who survived the Second World War and migrated to Australia. That podcast, Up From the Rubble, was more than just an assignment for his SAE University College Bachelor of Audio. It inspired Simon to begin collecting the untold stories of Australia’s postwar migrants.
“These were stories of survival, adaptation and quiet resilience that have helped shape the country we live in today,” Simon said of the tales that inspired his work.
From there, the project expanded quickly. Two more podcasts followed. Simon then created a live multimedia show that featured video interviews, home footage, sound design and a live music score performed by piano and string quartet musicians from the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra.
Audiences around Victoria and New South Wales packed out theatres in every town.
“We sold out every single performance. It was a fantastic feeling being able to tell these stories, alongside incredible musicians. It felt like all my passions combining.”
A documentary with global reach
Simon has since adapted the project into a feature documentary, which has been officially selected for the 2025 Melbourne Documentary Film Festival. The MDFF is ranked as one of the top 15 documentary festivals in the world. Out of thousands of submissions, Bonegilla – The Migrant’s Journey was chosen as one of just 30 films to be screened.
The premiere screening at Cinema Nova in Carlton sold out quickly, filling the venue’s largest auditorium. Due to overwhelming demand, festival organisers have now announced an encore screening. Only one other film in this year’s program has received the same honour. The documentary has also received two nominations at the festival, for Best Melbourne Documentary and for People’s Choice Award.
Simon credits his time at SAE as the launchpad for everything.
Stories that continue to resonate
Bonegilla – The Migrant’s Journey features interviews with migrants from a range of European backgrounds including Ukraine, Germany, Italy, Malta and the Netherlands. Each person shares memories of war, long sea journeys, life in Australian migrant camps, and the challenges of starting over in an unfamiliar land.
“This project is about more than history,” Simon says. “It is about learning from the past and hearing stories that still echo in the lives of Australians today.”
See Simon Reich’s documentary, Bonegilla – The Migrant’s Journey, at Cinema Nova in Carlton on Friday 25 July, 7:30pm. Buy tickets here and find out more at bonegillamigrants.com.au.
