Human Cargo (parts 5 and 6)

Summary: Gritty, shocking, and deeply personal in its impact, Human Cargo presents a little-seen view of Canada. A riveting thriller, shot on location in Vancouver and South Africa, this six-hour mini-series is an unflinching look at the world of refugees and the people who sacrifice their lives to help, or hinder, them. Human Cargo features an international cast that includes actors from South Africa, Nigeria and Turkey. The six-part mini-series follows an ambitious right-wing politician (Kate Nelligan) as she is parachuted onto the Refugee Board, where her racist views enrage her colleagues and the legal community. A dedicated refugee lawyer (Nicholas Campbell) goes head to head with the Refugee Board and is handed a controversial file that could threaten the moral foundation of the country. The intersecting stories illustrate the complexity and variety of issues refugees face around the world. The heart of the story is Moses Buntu, a Hutu schoolteacher, torn from his village and family, imprisoned and tortured. He escapes and embarks on a journey from hell to get to Canada. Moses carries with him a story that threatens to shake the power elite.