Safe Harbour (TV series)
| Company type | Television series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Entertainment |
| Founded | March 7, 2018 |
| Founder | Matchbox Pictures |
| Headquarters | Australia |
| Products | Television drama series |
Safe Harbour is an Australian thriller drama series composed of four episodes, which first aired on SBS on 7 March 2018. The storyline follows a circle of friends undertaking a sailing voyage from Brisbane to Indonesia, during which they come across an overcrowded fishing vessel carrying asylum seekers headed for Australia, an encounter that significantly alters their lives.
Production
The series was developed by Matchbox Pictures, with direction by Glendyn Ivin. The script was crafted by Belinda Chayko, Matt Cameron, and Phil Enchelmaier, inspired by an original idea from Enchelmaier and Simon Kennedy. Stephen Corvini took on the role of producer, while Sue Masters functioned as the executive producer.
Release
Premiering in Australia on SBS on 7 March 2018, the show later reached international audiences through streaming on Hulu in the United States and broadcast on BBC Four in the United Kingdom beginning 2 February 2019. A Region 4 DVD edition became available on 18 April 2018. Furthermore, the series was screened on Ireland’s RTÉ2 starting July 2019.
Reception
Luke Buckmaster of Guardian Australia characterized the series as "deeply compelling". Laura Brodnik, entertainment editor at Mama Mia, commended it for provoking viewers to consider, "What would you do?". Wenlei Ma from news.com.au deemed the show "unmissable", emphasizing its innovative narrative approach compared to conventional Australian television programming.
Awards
In 2019, the series was honored with an International Emmy for International Emmy Award for Best TV Movie or Miniseries.
Cast
- Ewen Leslie portraying Ryan Gallagher
- Leeanna Walsman as Bree Gallagher
- Joel Jackson in the role of Damien Pascoe
- Jacqueline McKenzie as Helen Korczak
- Phoebe Tonkin playing Olivia Gallagher
- Hazem Shammas as Ismail Al-Biyati
- Nicole Chamoun portraying Zahra Al-Biyati
- Robert Rabiah in the role of Bilal Al-Biyati
- Yazeed Daher as Asad Al-Bayati
- Maha Riad playing Yasmeen Al-Bayati
- Ella Macrokanis as Maddie Gallagher
- Callum Aston portraying Lachlan Gallagher
- Pacharo Mzembe as Matou
- Pip Miller in the role of Graham Newland
- Susan Prior as Renee
- Damien Garvey playing AFP Officer Wade
- Andrea Moor as AFP Officer Matera