Since its inception, our International Storytellers Film Series has brought diverse, powerful, and thought-provoking films to the Queenstown community. This monthly series was created with the purpose of celebrating global perspectives and cultural narratives by showcasing films that align with international recognition days. Each screening is more than just a film viewing; it’s a gathering of our community to learn, reflect, and connect with stories from around the world.
We’re incredibly grateful to partner with QLDC Libraries in bringing this series to life. As collaborators, QLDC Libraries have provided essential support, from venue access to sharing resources that deepen our understanding of each film’s cultural context. Their commitment to fostering community engagement has been instrumental in building this platform for global storytelling in Queenstown. We thank QLDC Libraries for their dedication to education, inclusivity, and cultural exchange, which aligns seamlessly with the mission of the International Storytellers Film Series.
One of our first screenings, Watan, held in honour of World Refugee Day, transported viewers into the lives of Syrian families displaced by conflict. The film provided an intimate look into their resilience, the harsh realities of refugee camps, and the universal longing for a place to call home. By bringing such stories to our local audience, we hoped to foster empathy and understanding of the challenges faced by refugees worldwide. The response from attendees was incredibly moving, with many reflecting on the importance of compassion and global solidarity.
Another unforgettable event in the series honoured Nelson Mandela International Day with the screening of Living the Change: Inspiring Stories for a Sustainable Future. This New Zealand-made documentary explored how individuals are taking practical steps towards sustainability. Attendees were inspired by the range of solutions presented—from sustainable farming practices to energy-saving innovations. This screening sparked conversations about how we, as a community in Queenstown, can implement similar practices to reduce our environmental impact and work towards a sustainable future.
In August, we recognised the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples with To Us the Ashes: Indigenous Shorts, a collection of five short documentaries spotlighting Indigenous resilience and cultural preservation. The films took us from the Pacific Northwest’s salmon conservation efforts to a Lakota woman building a girls' boxing team in South Dakota. Each story highlighted the unique challenges and triumphs of Indigenous communities, reminding us of the importance of respecting and preserving Indigenous cultures. The evening was a powerful reminder of the strength, ingenuity, and resilience that Indigenous communities bring to the global tapestry of humanity.
To celebrate International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, we featured Madan Sara, a documentary about the women known as "Madan Sara" in Haiti. These women are essential to Haiti's economy, working tirelessly in markets to buy, distribute, and sell food and essentials despite facing systemic challenges and a lack of state support. The film offered a glimpse into their everyday struggles and triumphs, highlighting their resilience and critical role in their communities. This screening resonated deeply with attendees, shedding light on the connections between poverty, community resilience, and economic justice.
Through each film, the International Storytellers Film Series has created a space where Queenstown’s residents can come together to engage with critical global issues, celebrate resilience, and recognise shared humanity. Our partnership with QLDC Libraries has been pivotal in making this series a success, allowing us to reach a broader audience and ensuring that these stories can inspire, educate, and connect our community. The series has not only been about watching films but also about sparking meaningful conversations, inspiring empathy, and promoting collective action.
A heartfelt THANK YOU goes out to the Queenstown community for embracing this series, to QLDC Libraries for their invaluable collaboration, and to our audience for the insightful discussions and reflections shared after each screening. We look forward to continuing this journey of storytelling and cultural exchange, offering a platform for voices from around the world to be heard and celebrated in our beautiful community.
If you'd like to join on of our future monthly Film Screenings, be sure to check out The International Storytellers Film Series page on our website for the most up to date event listings.
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