Why was Oscar-Nominated Filmmaker David Bradbury deported from India? details inside
Acclaimed Australian documentary filmmaker David Bradbury was detained and deported from India after arriving in Chennai with his two children. The 73-year-old, a two-time Oscar nominee, planned a peaceful trip to India, but things took an unexpected turn at the airport.
David Bradbury's trip to India Interrupted
David Bradbury arrived at Chennai Airport with his children, Nakeita (21) and Omar (14), for a two-week trip to India. The filmmaker intended to visit Varanasi to help his children understand how Hindus deal with death. This trip was especially important for Bradbury, as he lost his wife, Treena Lenthall, five months ago.
However, upon arrival, Bradbury was detained by Indian immigration officials and held for 24 hours. His children were allowed to continue their trip, but Bradbury was deported to Thailand without an explanation.
Conditions during detention
Bradbury described the conditions of his detention as terrible. He was kept in an unsanitary room with papers and rubbish scattered on the floor. He was denied access to medication and even toilet facilities, forcing him to use a paper cup for relief.
In an interview with The Wire, Bradbury expressed his shock and discomfort, explaining the poor state of the room where he was held. He said, "It was a filthy mattress with no sheets and rubbish all over the floor."
Possible reason for deportation
David Bradbury believes his deportation may be linked to his work in India in 2012, when he documented protests against the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant in Tamil Nadu. He filmed the local fishing community's opposition to the plant, fearing the potential dangers of a nuclear disaster.
During his visit in 2012, Bradbury had also faced harassment and detention while trying to document the protests. His article, Documenting Dissent, criticized the Indian government for building nuclear reactors in dangerous areas, calling the decision irresponsible.
Children continue their trip
Despite the unfortunate situation, Bradbury insisted that his children continue with their trip. His daughter, Nakeita, expressed sadness over her father’s deportation, especially since he had been issued a valid visa. She said, "It was unfair. There was no reason to trouble him like this."
Though David Bradbury couldn’t join his children, he remained proud of how they handled the situation and stayed in touch throughout their journey.
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