Harmony Week Movie & Dinner - Watandar

IF SOLD OUT Please email terri.rowe@shellharbour.nsw.gov.au to enquire on wait list

Join us at the Shellharbour Civic Centre on Saturday evening 23 March 2024 for an exciting Harmony Week movie and dinner event to bring awareness and celebrate the value and rich culture of people from diverse backgrounds in our region.

We will be screening the recently produced documentary film, Watandar, My Countryman, The evening will include live interaction with the producers of the film, a traditional Afghan meal provided by a local Afghan caterer and music by a local musician.  Afghan cameleers worked in the Outback to transport goods from the 1860s to the 1930s. This documentary is a rare opportunity to understand the valuable relationship between Australia’s colonial and immigrant history.

Doors open at 5pm for seating allocations. Finger food offered with the film screening at 5.30pm sharp (please arrive early to avoid distractions during film) and dinner served at 6.45pm.

Tables of up to 6 are available with any number reserved - table locations are subject to change.  

Dinner will be Afghan food including;
- Finger food of samovar, pakora and bollany.
- Kabuli palaw with mix meat (rice), Kabuli palaw vegetarian (rice), Vegetable mix curry.
- sherpira and bosraq (bosraq is a special Ghazni sweet made with cardamon). 
- Tea, Coffee, table water, juice, sparkling water and traditional tea
No Alcohol will be served at this event. If you would like to bring beverages that contain alcohol, please indicate at checkout.

Please note:  Food may contain dairy and gluten
Vegetarian options available

DOCUMENTARY WATANDAR My Countryman:
When former Afghan Refugee and photographer, Muzafar Ali, discovers that Afghans have been an integral part of Australia for over 160 years, he begins to photograph their descendants in a search to define his own new Afghan-Australian identity. His wisdom and charisma, presented a rare opportunity to re-examine Australia’s colonial history. Watandar, My Countryman touches on some of Australia and the world’s biggest geopolitical stories including; the relationship between colonial, ancient and immigrant Australians, our treatment of refugees, the division between the world’s dominant religions, the success and or lack of success of the international forces in Afghanistan, and the power of individuals to create change.
- Jolyon Hoff (Writer/Director/Producer)

Tickets are limited for this very inspiring, educational and affordable event, so gather your friends and book early!

This film is rated PG however the event is recommended for adults.

No Refunds are available 7 days or less, prior to event.

For any enquiries about the event, please email: terri.rowe@shellharbour.nsw.gov.au  

This event is a partnership between Shellharbour City Council, Shellharbour City Libraries and Illawarra Multicultural Services.

Shellharbour City Council is proud to have declared the Shellharbour Local Government Area a Refugee Welcome Zone since 2014. This is a public commitment to welcome refugees into the community, upholding their human rights, demonstrating compassion for them, recognising their value and enhancing cultural and religious diversity in the community.