Saved (ATOM Study Guide)

This study guide to accompany Saved (Tony Ayres, 2008), a film made for television by Big and Little Films for Matchbox Pictures in association with SBS and Film Victoria, has been written for senior secondary students. It provides information and suggestions for learning activities in English, Ethics, Literature, Media and SOSE/HSIE.

Julia Weston is paralysed by grief following the death of her five-week- old daughter Matilda to SIDS. While her husband Peter throws himself into his work to cope with the tragedy, Julia becomes more despairing and isolated from the world around her. Recognising that she needs a distraction, her sister-in- law suggests that Julia accompany her to an immigrant detention centre where she volunteers as a visitor for detainees. Julia reluctantly accepts the offer, and while there, meets Amir Farshchi, a young Iranian asylum seeker.

Julia becomes obsessed with helping Amir, who is in danger of being deported. Amir claims that as a university student he was imprisoned and tortured by Irans fundamentalist regime. There are doubts about his story, but Julia is a dedicated advocate, who uses every resource she can to secure Amirs freedom. Amir moves in with Julia and her husband and, inevitably, her marriage is threatened.

When Amir is arrested by the Federal Police, Julias in-laws voice their disapproval of Julias crusade and Peters tolerance is tested. After Amir is released, he returns to Julia and Peters home and finally tells Julia the truth about his life in Tehran. Peter, who is both suspicious of Amirs identity and Amirs relationship with his wife, asks Amir to leave. When Julia finds out what has happened she is furious and chooses to be with Amir. Beyond her betrayal is the reality that Peter still loves her. It is up to Julia to decide whether her marriage is worth saving.