'Watandar: My Countryman' screening

'Watandar: My Countryman' screening
From AUD $10.00
  • Location: Melbourne, VIC
  • Product code: P3QYGU

In 2015, photographer and Human Rights Activist Muzafar Ali resettled in Australia, and became the first in five generations of his family to no longer be a refugee. When he discovers that Afghans have been in Australia for 160 years, he’s compelled to photograph and document the stories of their descendants.

Then, on August 15th 2021, the Taliban take over Afghanistan. With his homeland lost, he’s driven to help and reaches out to his former colleagues, whose lives are in danger. He tries to help them escape, but he also knows that millions will be left behind and he must do everything he can to keep their hope alive.

His photography project becomes an even more personal journey as he recognises, in the Descendants, his own search for a new Afghan-Australian identity. He finds them in all walks of life; Ken and Larl who worked on the famous Ghan train, Frank a member of the stolen generation, and Nici the renowned art gallery curator. They each represent a possible future for his daughters. Meanwhile, his friends from Afghanistan are caught in ever more terrifying incidents and Muzafar provides us with a first-hand perspective on their experiences.

After the screening, there will be a Q&A with Muzafar Ali and writer, director and producer of Watandar, Jolyon Hoff. 

Please note: 

- There are two screening times: 6pm on Monday 17 June and 11am on Tuesday 18 June 

- This event is free for Shrine Friends and volunteers using your discount code