Backdrop from Fantome Island
Poster for Fantome Island

Fantome Island

2011

Overview

In 1945, at the age of seven, a young Joe Eggmolesse was diagnosed with Leprosy. He was immediately removed from his family and home and transported under police escort over a thousand kilometres to be confined on an island for the treatment of the disease. For the next ten years, a leprosarium for Aboriginal people became his home. A lush tropical idyll off the north east coast of Australia, Fantome Island was the home to a close knit community of indigenous 'lepers' who made the most of their existence as people living on the fringes of the marginalised. Now as a 73 year old Joe reflects on his indelible Fantome years. His incredible, poignant story offers a profound insight into one of Australia's hidden histories.

Details

Status
Released
Release date
July 13, 2011
Original language
English
Spoken languages
English
Countries
Australia
Budget
Not recorded
Revenue
Not recorded
Fantome Island (2011) | Kinocult