This film kōrero evening is a collaboration between Leadership Lab and Asturlab.

Come and be part of a moving and inspirational evening as we watch the movie “Project Fiftyone” and then hear from the producers Bariz Shah and Saba Afrasyabi as they share the impact of the March 15 tragedy on them and their community, and why they felt compelled to respond with Project Fiftyone. Bariz and Sabah will each share how their life experience have led them to this point, how the Afghanistan microbusinesses initiative was implemented, and their dreams for the future.

Watch Project Fiftyone trailer

“A film by Bariz Shah and Saba Afrasyabi. Young Muslim couple, Bariz Shah (25) and Saba Afrasyabi (24), leave for their birth country Afghanistan to fund 51 microbusinesses to honour the 51 Muslims martyred on March 2019, in their hometown of Christchurch, New Zealand. They buy a camera and record as they work closely with their recipients, changing lives with only US$250. Bariz and Saba’s own stories as Muslims living in the West weave through this story of making a powerful choice to meet hate with love.”

Bariz is also author of the book “Beyond Hope” where Bariz shares the transformation that has occured in his life ”from an Auckland Prison to changing lives in Afganistan”

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Asturlab is a charitable trust founded in 2021 and located in Ōtautahi Christchurch, New Zealand. Our vision is to build a spiritually uplifted, self-sufficient, and impactful Muslim community in Christchurch and beyond. We are dedicated to building The Enlightened City, a vibrant community hub in the heart of Ōtautahi, Christchurch that comprises four houses: House of Peace, House of Healing, House of Wisdom, and Bazaar.

Leadership Lab is a Tiriti o Waitangi-led, impact-focused leadership consultancy. We grow leaders in Aotearoa New Zealand who develop equitable and flourishing communities and organisations. The team is a vibrant and diverse mix of people bringing experience, knowledge and a real passion to life and leading. We operate as a collective with a wide range of individuals teaming up to contribute to a range of projects while also supporting and developing each other in the process. Our Leadership Lab team covers all of Aotearoa New Zealand and through the extensive network of robust and trusting relationships where we form partnerships with local leaders.