My First Time Home

My First Time Home is a feature length documentary film about longing for and seeking ‘home’. The film looks through the eyes of Jessica, a young, first generation born Australian-Egyptian, as she embarks on a journey of visiting her country of origin, Egypt, for the very first time. Accompanied by a group of Australian-Egyptian youth from both Christian and Muslim background, the film explores how these two different communities reconcile their differences, and while exploring their sense of self. Through the interweaving of different characters and stories, the film provides a timely discussion of how religion and gender can connect us to our common humanity and our sense of home.

Jessica Phoebe Hanna is an emerging filmmaker and actress, born in Sydney, Australia from migrant Egyptian parents. Jessica has a passion for telling true and thought-provoking stories. Prior to My First Time Home, Jessica's most notable films include her film Regime, which explored the war in Syria through the eyes of a young Syrian woman. It was selected as a finalist for Tropfest in 2018, premiered on ABC-iview and was live streamed on YouTube. In addition, Jessica wrote and acted in the award-winning film My Name is Mohamad and Raghad and We Don't Exist Here Anymore, which explored the true story of an Iranian families' plight as refugees in their new country. This film received support from many organisations, including CuriousWorks and Settlement Services International (SSI). Both films display Jessica's ability to explore ideas and stories openly, honestly and candidly, while pushing audiences to think deeply about their subject matter.