Sabrina Khan, a British subject residing in Australia and a human rights lawyer with a passion for humanitarian justice, makes her powerful acting debut in Mercy Box, a new film that offers a stark and unflinching look at homelessness in Australia. Khan, a barrister to the High Court of Fiji and solicitor admitted to the Supreme Court of Victoria, leverages her experience advocating for the marginalized to bring a raw and authentic portrayal to her role in this film. The moving drama uses encouragement from Christian Scripture to inspire community outreach, dialogue and relationship building with the marginalised homeless community.
“This is a crucial step. We are all called to support the less fortunate in our societies. If you can provide sheltar, do it. If you can provide food and clothing, do it. If all you can do is to pray for them, then do it. But please do something. Don’t leave them isolated.”
Mercy Box isn’t just a film; it’s a profound experience. Khan’s performance is nothing short of breathtaking. She embodies the trauma, the quiet desperation, and the unwavering resilience of a person grappling with homelessness with such depth and nuance, leaving the audience breathless with empathy. She inhabits the role, making the audience feel the chilling reality of life on the streets—the vulnerability, the constant struggle for survival, and the crushing weight of societal indifference.
The film itself masterfully portrays the circumstances leading to homelessness in Australia, offering a compassionate yet honest portrayal of the challenges faced by those without shelter. It doesn’t shy away from the systemic issues, the societal stigma, and the human cost of lacking adequate support for vulnerable individuals.
Providing a compelling counterpoint is Ara Raad, a stage, film and television actor whose intense and convincing performance is noteworthy.
Raad’s portrayal, playing a character with negative intentions, is a masterclass in understated intensity; his bold gestures and nuanced expressions convey a depth of a threat that resonates deeply. His character’s journey adds another layer of complexity and emotional weight to the narrative.
The film was further supported by a talented team of professionals, each bringing their unique skills and experience to the project.
Dominic Bleijie (Assistant Director & Producer, Mercy Box): A seasoned Australian film and television professional, Dominic Bleijie brings extensive experience in production (Channel Seven), photography, and videography to his work as assistant director and producer on Mercy Box. His credits span independent films and music videos.
Bebi Zekirovski (Director of Photography, Mercy Box): An award-winning Australian cinematographer and photographer (ACS member), Bebi Zekirovski has worked on numerous international and Australian film productions, with his work showcased globally. For Mercy Box, he served as the Director of Photography.
Quyen Chung (Makeup Artist & Art Department, Mercy Box): A multi-talented artist based in Liverpool, NSW, Quyen Chung brings extensive experience in makeup, art direction, wardrobe, and costume design to Mercy Box. Her credits include TV commercials (Woolworths, Smith’s Chips, Telstra) and the web series “How to Become a Hero”. She also served as Art Director on the feature film Echo 8. For Mercy Box, she contributed as Makeup Artist and to the Art Department.
The following individuals also contributed significantly to the film’s production: Sasha Zekirovski, Rev. Dr. Jonathan Sharma, John Schmetzer, Ricky Warbrick, and King.
Mercy Box is more than a film; it’s a call to action. It’s a testament to Khan’s commitment to amplifying the voices of the marginalized, confronting societal inequality, and inspiring change. Khan’s theme for such filmmaking began with her first film on domestic violence last year garnering recognition winning twenty five accolades internationally. Mercy Box is a powerful film, demanding its audience and prompting crucial conversations about homelessness and social justice in Australia. Khan’s acting debut is a declaration of purpose.
