Powerful new drama THE STATE explores and confronts one of the most important issues of our time. A compelling fictional story, it follows the experiences of four young British men and women who have left their lives behind to join ISIS.
Drawing on extensive factual research, the series provides a gripping and unflinching dramatic insight into the harsh reality of their new lives in Raqqah, Syria.
Sam Otto (Collateral), who plays Jalal, is following in his older brother’s footsteps in deciding to travel to Syria and fight for ISIS and has persuaded Ryan McKen (Bancroft, NW), who plays his best friend, Ziyaad, to accompany him.
Ony Uhiara (Law and Order) plays single mother Shakira arrives in Syria with her nine-year-old son, Isaac, determined to bring her skills as a junior doctor to the aid of the Islamic State; and Shavani Cameron (Youngers, Homeland) plays teenager Ushna has left her family behind to fulfil what she sees as her religious duty after being radicalised on the internet.
As they experience more of the realities of life in Raqqah, witnessing horrific atrocities carried out by the regime and the bloody aftermath of air strikes, their journeys diverge – into disillusionment and despair, on the one hand, and increasing commitment to the Caliphate on the other.
Australian National Geographic audiences will be amongst the first in the world to view this program when it premieres Wednesday 23 August at 8.30pm, with other National Geographic territories globally premiering in September
