Indian-Australian Initiative ‘The Swap’ Hits Netflix, Promoting Interfaith Unity. A groundbreaking documentary series promoting interfaith and intercultural understanding has found a global platform after being picked up by Netflix. The Swap, which originally aired on SBS in 2022. It follows students from the Islamic College of Brisbane (ICB), state schools, and Catholic institutions as they step into each other’s worlds, fostering empathy and breaking down stereotypes.
The docuseries, spearheaded by ICB CEO Ali Kadri, an Indian-Australian educator and social cohesion advocate, brought together 12 students from diverse backgrounds—Muslim, Christian, and atheist—to experience each other’s daily lives, schools, and family environments.
Directed by Jo Siddiqui, The Swap is a compelling docuseries that explores faith, identity, and the power of empathy through an immersive cultural exchange. Featuring standout narration by Ben Mingay—the acclaimed Australian actor and singer known for Packed to the Rafters and Wonderland—the series blends raw, emotional storytelling with deep cultural insight.
A Mission Born from Personal Experience
For Kadri, the initiative was deeply personal. He was driven to create a project that would bridge divides in his adopted home of Australia.
“The Swap was a response to my concerns about growing societal divisions,” Kadri said. “I wanted young people to see that understanding differences isn’t about agreeing on everything—it’s about respect.”
Breaking Barriers, Building Bonds
The experiment paired six Muslim students from ICB with two Christian boys from Padua College, two Christian girls from Mount Alvernia College, and two atheist students from Ferny Grove State School. Over a term, they swapped schools, homes, and perspectives.
One of the most profound moments came when the secular students from Ferny Grove adapted to ICB’s conservative environment. Where interactions between genders were more restricted. Rather than rejecting the differences, they came to appreciate the values behind them.
Similarly, Muslim students learned that engaging with non-Muslim peers didn’t weaken their faith but enriched their ability to coexist.
From Local to Global Impact
Originally airing on SBS, The Swap resonated with Australian audiences, earning praise for its honest portrayal of interfaith dialogue. Now, with its Netflix release, the series has the potential to inspire viewers worldwide.
“This isn’t just about Australia—it’s about the universal need for empathy in an increasingly polarized world,” Kadri remarked.
A passionate advocate for human rights and social cohesion. Kadri regularly appears in Australian media, championing education as the key to a harmonious society. Under his leadership, ICB has become a hub for initiatives promoting multicultural understanding.
As The Swap reaches a global audience, Kadri hopes its message will spark similar conversations everywhere: “If young people can learn to respect differences, they can build a future where diversity is celebrated, not feared.”
With its mature themes, including religious tensions and societal stereotypes, The Swap is more than just a documentary; it’s a catalyst for meaningful dialogue.
Now streaming on Netflix, this eye-opening project challenges viewers to see the world through another’s eyes.
