Jenny Mansell-Black

In January, 1940 a young mother is misdiagnosed with leprosy and imprisoned on Peel Island off the coast of Queensland, Australia. She navigates harsh conditions, danger and betrayal in a desperate fight for freedom.

Kate Farrell, suspected of having Hansen's disease, is a mother of two young girls when she is arrested and transported to Peel Island, a leper colony. Her husband, Fred, tries to get her off the island where she is beset by bushfires, sharks, snakes, treatments, being shipwrecked, a treacherous returned soldier from the war and the loss of not seeing her daughters grow up. Despite testing negative for the disease, Kate is thwarted by the authorities and staff, determined to keep her there. Set in the background of World War II, she meets an American soldier who falls in love with her, but Kate is consumed by Catholic guilt and her longing for her previous life with her husband and girls.

The story of Peel Island is both a love story and one of injustice and betrayal. The fear of leprosy in people’s minds in the 1940's due to biblical connotations was worse than the actual disease. People of all ages will relate to the story with empathy for the main character and her challenges, while the younger generation will also be introduced to the wonderful music of that era. The cinematography will add to the beauty of the story.

Some have compared it to The Piano, while other films spanning over a decade include The Shawshank Redemption, Forrest Gump, The Godfather Part II, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and 12 Years a Slave.

The story is inspired by a true story, people who existed and events that occurred. It’s also an example of how governments and society treat people with an illness during what they believe to be a pandemic, as we have recently experienced with Covid, which is why people will understand Kate’s experience of being isolated from society under the premise that she has a disease. Peel Island is a mixture of contrasts: A tropical paradise versus imprisonment; a beautiful day versus a violent storm; the difference between a life that should have been lived and one that is substituted; a love that is weak and one built on devotion; a true friendship versus authorities and oppression; a challenge turned into success; happiness overcoming loss.

The script is ready and the goal is to find a producer, top director and female lead actress. It’s an opportunity for a talented actress to make her mark. Estimated cost for the movie would be $5-10 million.