Documentary Screening and Panel Discussion
Cultures of Resistance is a film that asks the questions: “Does each gesture really make a difference?” and “Can music and dance be weapons of peace?” In 2003, on the eve of the Iraq war, director Iara Lee embarked on a journey to better understand a world increasingly embroiled in conflict and, as she saw it, heading for self-destruction. Several years and continents later, Iara encountered growing numbers of people who committed their lives to promoting change. The film tells the story of artists from Iran, Burma, Brazil, Syria, and many more. Mouneer Al Shaarani is one of the artists who are featured briefly.
Panel:
Luke Cornish is an Australian artist creating unique, powerful images from handmade stencils. Better known under the artist name “ELK” he has risen to fame in the contemporary art world and became the first artist to be nominated for the Archibald Prize with a portrait created entirely out of stencils.
Luke Cornish has a special relationship with Syria: he travelled to Syria several times to perform his stencil art and work with children. He positioned a portrait of Khaled Al-Assad, curator of antiquities who was beheaded by ISIS, on the ruins of Palmyra. Immediately before this talk he returned from a trip to the war-torn city of Aleppo where he worked in arts programs with children.
Father Dave is an Anglican Parish Priest based in Australia. He is also a professional boxer, a Human Rights Activist, Community Worker, and Father of Four. Father Dave is best known for his work with at-risk youths, especially in his use of boxing for those suffering from substance abuse problems and anger management issues. He has travelled to Syria multiple times since the civil war broke out, often accompanied by a team of boxers and artists.
Entry is free, there is no registration process. Capacity is limited so please come early to secure a good seat.
Language: Various with English Subtitles, Discussion in English.
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