Writer and actor George Basha hopes his highly-anticipated sequel to The Combination, a film inspired by the 2005 Cronulla riots, will spark discussion about the nature of racism in Australia.
The Combination Redemption picks up the story six years later, as Lebanese-Australian John Morkos, played by Basha, struggles to come to terms with the death of his brother.
George Basha, left, plays John Morkos in the film directed by David Field. Source: Supplied
Set in western Sydney, the film explores racial divides, prejudice and intolerance in different communities across the country.
"Racism still exists on both sides of the fence, not just one side, and I think with what we try to do, especially me and Dave (director David Field), we try to bridge a gap," Mr Basha told SBS News.
"I think when we make our films it's all about trying to get people to get into a discussion."
Source: Director David Field
Despite the success of The Combination, hailed by critics as a provocative and groundbreaking Australian production, Mr Basha hadn't planned to make a sequel.
But he says the world has changed significantly since its 2009 release and it was time to revisit those social tensions.
"Religious, racism, guns and violence.
"I never wanted to make a part two, but I thought when I made a part one.. I wanted to say something and when I made part two I also wanted to say something."
'They're fed this crap'
The film also shines a spotlight on the rise of white extremism in Australia.
"All this information has been put in their head, they're fed this crap that they actually believe," Mr Basha said.
"It's like anything though, it's like terrorism you know.. you get a young Muslim kid who gets fed all the crap and he believes it, and I think I went down that path with also the white extremists in the film."
Source: Supplied
A decade ago, Lebanese-Australians were said to be forming dangerous "gangs".
Director David Field said that rhetoric has shifted to African-Australians, especially those in the Sudanese communities.
"It's a way to sort of create a division in the community that suits the politicians," Mr Field said.
"All they're doing is just dividing their community and it works for them for votes."
A local gym becomes a focal point of the movie as John battles depression, an illness director David Field says is a very public health issue.
George Kambosos Jr poses after winning by majority decision over Ray Perez during the lightweight fight at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Source: Getty Images
"I don't care whether the scene is about race, love or laughter," Mr Field said.
"It doesn't matter what scene I work on, when you make film or you make any art it's brick building.
"It's one brick at a time."
Love that crosses cultural divides
The movie also explores falling in love across the religious divide.
Abbey Aziz plays Amira, a Lebanese-Australian Muslim girl who falls for Morkos, a Christian.
Source: Supplied
"They are two people who love their culture, love their faith and family, but also don't want to be limited by it," Miss Aziz said.
"Can we have more of those conversations because they're needed."
Miss Aziz says Amira is not the typical Muslim girl often portrayed on the big screen.
"We've seen a certain type of Muslim you know and she's not the norm right, she's not covered. There are girls that willingly marry within the faith and that's all good and well, but what happens when they don't?" Miss Aziz said.
Source: George Basha and Abbey Aziz
The Combination Redemption is screening in selected Australian cinemas from 7 February, 2019.
