Fantome Island
88 mins
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.
Joe Eggmolesse
Self
Sean Gilligan
Producer
Sean Gilligan
Director
David Lazar
Music
Mark Newman
Executive Producer
Adrian Strong
Editor
Adrian Strong
Producer
Sean Gilligan
Editor
Tfer Newsome
Sound Designer
Nuala Sheridan
Colorist
Joe Eggmolesse
Associate Producer
Sean Gilligan
Camera Operator
Adrian Strong
Camera Operator