The trailer contains references to mental health and other issues that may be distressing to some. Viewer discretion is advised.
The Great Separation is now available to stream free on SBS On Demand
The Great Separation is a ground-breaking social insights documentary that follows protagonist Joey Fry on his journey to understand loneliness and connection, guided by experts along the way. The film has been created with the directorial oversight of award-winning filmmaker Shannon Swan and cultural observer Simon Hammond.
Watch on SBS on Demand
In a world more designed to pull us apart than unite us, what can we do to reconnect to our innate human need to live life together?
At age 23, Joey felt so alone he attempted to take his own life. He awoke in the ICU 6 days later to find his right leg had been amputated. This same feeling of isolation and loneliness now effects 1 in 4 Australians. Now fully recovered from the experience, Joey searches for answers as to why it happened to him and how he can stop it happening again. Can we find a way to live together, as united communities, to fight loneliness and reconnect in a world that is designed to pull us apart?
Meet the experts from the documentary:
Hugh Mackay AO
Australia’s leading social researcher
Dr Michelle Lim
Chair | Ending Loneliness Together
Andrew Dawson
Anthropologist | University of Melbourne
Stephen Dark
Urban Development Institute
Dr Simon Hammond
Professor of Brand Strategy and Belonging
Paul Gardner
Business Strategy, Brand and Marketing
Dr Ali Walker
Human Connection Scientist
Dr Rebecca Dredge
Clinical Psychologise, Expert in Social Media
Allan and Barbara Pease
Australia’s leading experts in Body Language
Professor Selena Bartlett
Neuroscientist | University of Brisbane
Behind the scenes images
Behind the scenes videos
Follow Joey's journey since the making of The Great Separation.
The fresh outlook Joey now views the world through has led to incredible experiences, headlined by a chance meeting while skiing which resulted in an invitation to take part in Snow Australia's Para Futures Program, a talent identification initiative from the governing body.
Joey has now set a goal to qualify for the 2026 Winter Paralympic Games in Milano.
If you’d like to support his goal, he has set up a Go Fund Me page
Useful links:
For any enquiries, please email: enquiries@thegreatseparation.com.au
