Experiencing Interruptions?

The Grey Line

Taken from her parents during a time when Aboriginal children were removed from their families through Government mandated policy, Helen was raised by a middle-class family in the suburbs of Perth and believed she was their biological daughter until the age of 14.

Despite being raised by a very loving foster family, Helen has never felt like she truly belonged. Not white, not black, she walks a very lonely grey line.

This is her story of hurt, a longing to find her true self and to finally be accepted for who she is.

  • Scott Quayle
    Director
    SHIL
  • Kayah Wills
    Producer
  • Amy Nyidi Smith
    Producer
  • Ian Hale
    Producer
    Pieces, Gravel Road, Black Cockatoo Crisis, Bassendream, Edward & Isabella, Greenfield, The Last Horns of Africa, The Xrossing, I am Heath Ledger
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Runtime:
    29 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    February 19, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    5,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Australia
  • Country of Filming:
    Australia
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Black & White and Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • WA Made Film Festival
    Perth
    Australia
    February 19, 2023
    World Premiere
    Official Selection
Distribution Information
  • Halo Films
    Distributor
    Country: Australia
Director Biography - Scott Quayle

I have been "around" video production for over 15 years through my work in the corporate world, however that was always in the role of the client.

I really only decided to get behind the camera when I wanted a career change at 40. I was looking to do more meaningful work.

I started making legacy films for people to learn the craft, creating one hour documentaries of everyday people for their family and friends, hence the name Life Films.

In 2019 I returned to my homeland, the Isle of Man, and decided to make a short doc about my Dad and the famous TT motorbike race. This is the first time I used Premiere Pro. I used it as a training exercise. It was after that film gained over 100,000 views on YouTube that I thought perhaps I could make another film.

In 2021 I released SHIL, a short documentary about a public speaker with a stutter. I won some awards on Film Freeway for that, did some showings at the Backlot and Ian Hale saw potential in me.

That led to meeting Helen and creating The Grey Line.

I just love learning about people and feel honoured when someone entrusts me to tell their story.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

Making this film has been confronting. Having moved to Australia when I was 10 years old and going through school in the 90's, I was never taught the rich history of the Aboriginal culture and the atrocities they suffered.

Unfortunately I am not alone. A huge number of Australians are unaware of just how many lives have been affected by the acts of our past Governments.

Every indigenous person involved in this project has a close connection to what happened during this time, with one or more family members having been part of the Stolen Generations.

I was nervous to tell this story, but Helen and I had an instant connection and I feel honoured that she chose me to make this film.