ABC documentary Tampa: The Turning Point reveals the untold story of the Tampa crisis – ABC will mark the 25th anniversary of the Tampa crisis with Tampa: The Turning Point, a three-part documentary series premiering on ABC TV this September.
The series premieres on ABC TV on Tuesday 1 September at 8.30pm. All episodes stream on ABC iview from 7am on Wednesday 26 August.
For Australian viewers, this is a significant documentary event. The Tampa crisis still shapes debate about asylum seeker policy. As a result, the anniversary brings renewed attention to one of the defining political moments of modern Australia.
Watch the first look
In August 2001, an overcrowded Indonesian boat stalled in the Indian Ocean. Soon after, the captain of the Norwegian freighter MV Tampa and Prime Minister John Howard clashed over the fate of 433 asylum seekers.
The result was an extraordinary eight-day standoff. Tampa: The Turning Point tells that story through first-hand accounts from refugees, the ship’s captain, politicians and Howard himself.
ABC says the series examines the global impact of the crisis. At the time, Australia’s response drew international condemnation. Twenty-five years later, the events continue to influence immigration policy around the world.
Mint Pictures made the series for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Dan Goldberg produces, Craig Graham executive produces, Kriv Stenders directs and Ili Bare is series producer.
Stephen Oliver is ABC Commissioning Editor. Susie Jones is ABC Head of Documentary and Specialist. ABC Commercial handles worldwide distribution.
Tampa: The Turning Point premieres Tuesday 1 September at 8.30pm on ABC TV. All episodes stream from 7am Wednesday 26 August on ABC iview.
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