'Watandar, My Countryman' screening

When Afghanistan falls to the Taliban, an Afghan refugee finds a new home in the Australian desert.

Join us at the Shrine for a screening of the heart-warming and eye-opening documentary film, Watandar, My Countryman.

The documentary follows photographer and Human Rights Activist Muzafar Ali, who in 2015 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 15 August 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.

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

Screening times

• Monday 17 June, 6pm–7.30pm
• Tuesday 18 June, 11am–12.30pm

Shrine Friends

This event is free for Shrine Friends and volunteers using your discount code. Learn more about becoming a Shrine Friend here: https://www.shrine.org.au/shrine-friends

Trailer