Unfinished Sky

A widowed farmer living in near-isolation on the Queensland frontier. He projects stoic resilience, yet carries guilt and loneliness that make him receptive to Tahmeena. His slow, careful kindness and protectiveness reveal a capacity for empathy beyond his quiet exterior.

A traumatized Afghan refugee fleeing the Taliban, separated from her daughter. Her communication is hindered by language barriers, yet she shows resilience, tenderness, and a willingness to trust as she builds a fragile relationship with John. Her experiences of violence and displacement drive the emotional core of the story.

A local police sergeant whose suspicions about Tahmeena’s presence complicate the couple’s bond. He embodies the tension between communal suspicion and the impulse to protect, representing authority that is both a threat and a potential ally.

A corrupt pub owner who treats Tahmeena as ‘property’ to be reclaimed. He triggers the film’s most dangerous conflict by pursuing his own interests, fueling fear and violence in the town.

Bob Potter’s brother who helps enact the plan to retrieve Tahmeena as ‘property’. He becomes an active participant in intimidation and violence during the film’s climax.

John’s loyal dog, a steadfast presence that anchors the farm and acts as a moral compass in moments of danger. The dog’s loyalty intensifies the farmer’s protective instincts.

Tahmeena’s daughter, depicted in childhood, whose future weighs on Tahmeena’s choices. The young girl’s presence underscores the stakes of exile and family separation.

The older depiction of Tahmeena’s daughter, reflecting the progression of time and the lasting impact of time apart. Her photos and memory influence Tahmeena’s reconciliation with John.