“Girmit – The Fields of Sadness” Moves Audiences at Hoyts Sunnybank
Powerful documentary screening honours indentured ancestors and inspires reflection
Sunnybank, QLD – September 23 , 2025
A wave of deep emotion swept through Hoyts Sunnybank as the powerful documentary “Girmit – The Fields of Sadness” screened before a full house this past weekend.
The film, produced by Rajendra Prasad and Aruna Prasad and directed by Shyam Upadhyay, shone a stark and stirring light on one of history’s most painful chapters — the period of indentured labour that uprooted generations and forged new diasporic identities across the globe.
For many in attendance, the evening was more than a film screening; it was a journey into the soul of their ancestry.
Humbled and honoured to serve as the Master of Ceremonies, Jitendra Deo reflected, “It was deeply moving to be part of an event that doesn’t just tell a story it opens wounds, honours sacrifices, and ultimately, reminds us of the resilience that flows in our blood.”
The documentary painted a raw and emotional portrait of the men, women, and children who were taken from their homeland under the promise of opportunity, only to face unthinkable hardship in foreign fields. It is a story of loss, betrayal, survival and enduring strength. Audience members were visibly moved, many wiping tears as they watched scenes that echoed the stories told by their grandparents and great-grandparents.
“It was a powerful experience,” shared local attendee Adwin Awadh. “You could feel the room holding its breath. It was like our ancestors were present with us.”
The evening was made even more special by the presence of His Excellency Ajay Amrit, Fiji’s High Commissioner to Australia, who delivered an impassioned speech about the importance of honouring diaspora history and preserving the cultural legacies that tie communities together.
“The stories of our indentured ancestors are not just tales of suffering, but of triumph and endurance,” His Excellency remarked. “They laid the foundation on which we now stand — proud, free, and deeply rooted in identity.”
One of the most touching moments occurred during a private lunch shared between director Shyam Upadhyay and Jitendra Deo, where the two exchanged heartfelt thoughts on the importance of preserving these stories for future generations.
“To sit with Shyamji and hear his passion, his unwavering commitment to telling these stories truthfully and respectfully it was a privilege,” said Jitendra Deo. “We spoke not only about history, but about the future and about ensuring these voices are never forgotten.”
The event’s success was made possible through the unwavering support of community leaders and volunteers, including Adrian Naidu and Roshni Dube-Naidu, who played an instrumental role behind the scenes. Their dedication to cultural storytelling and community connection was felt in every detail of the evening. The major sponsor who supported the event in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane was Octane. Brisbane was supported by Rajesh Gopal form Gopal Lawyers and Rajendra Pratap.
In the shadows of history’s pain, the screening became a beacon of reflection, education, and unity. It was a reminder that our past, no matter how painful, it holds the key to understanding who we are today.
As the credits rolled and lights came up, the atmosphere was not one of finality, but of awakening. Conversations buzzed, hugs were shared, and many lingered long after the event, reluctant to let go of the moment.
“Girmit – The Fields of Sadness” is more than a documentary it is a legacy. It stands as a call to remember, reflect, and honour those who came before, and to ensure their stories continue to guide generations yet to come.
In a world that often rushes forward, this event reminded us of all of the power of looking back, not with sorrow alone, but with pride, reverence, and gratitude.
