Scattered People (ATOM Study Guide)

Saha and Mas, two young Iranian musicians flee their homeland and seek asylum in Australia. In immigration detention, they encounter the Scattered People band – a small group of kindred spirits who play music and create songs with refugees and people seeking asylum. Through following their journeys, we observe how music breaks down barriers and gives Saha and Mas purpose, helping to shape their identities and offering hope for the future.

Featuring acclaimed musicians such as Missy Higgins, John Butler, Michael Franti, Archie Roach, Katie Noonan, Dan Sultan, Harry James Angus and Baker Boy, Scattered People explores how music can help unite, heal and restore our compassion for some of the most vulnerable people on our planet. Scattered People is an Australian documentary revealing the transformational and healing power of music – bringing together people, cultures and countries.

Curriculum Links:

Scattered People is a recommended resource for students in Years 10–12 in the learning areas of:

• English
• Geography
• History
• Media Arts
• Music

Scattered People can be used to teach the Australian Curriculum General Capabilities – Ethical Understanding and Intercultural Understanding and is a relevant text for inquiry projects addressing the Australian Curriculum cross-curriculum priority – Asia and Australia’s Engagement with Asia.

Scattered People provides a better understanding of the experiences and challenges faced by people who are forced to leave their homes in search of asylum and refuge.