Cultural blockbuster: MECA executive director Salem Naja (middle) pictured with Yousef Abou Ammar, Mt Druitt Hoyts duty manager Dejan Trpceski, Nirmita Desai and Isaac Kisimba will enjoy a day at the movies tomorrow when cultural diversity hits the big screen. Picture: Gary Warrick
It 's lights, camera action for western Sydney’s diverse community at Hoyts Cinema Mount Druitt this Wednesday (March 20).
Mount Druitt Ethnic Communities Agency (MECA) will host a multicultural short film festival to celebrate Harmony Week, which ties in with this year’s theme ‘Many stories – One Australia’.
Guest speakers involved with the films will challenge the negative portrayal of cultural diversity.
Short films to be screened will begin with TRiBE by SongeArt - a Koori version of TV show Dallas and stars the late footy legend Arthur Beetson.
Eight other multicultural short films by ColourFest will also been shown various Australian directors from a range of cultural backgrounds.
‘‘They are serious, funny, witty and most importantly, they are real,’’ MECA executive officer Salem Naja said.
‘‘Most were made in western Sydney but all have been produced by migrants and refugees.’’
Representatives from services providers and community leaders are expected to pack out the cinema.
‘‘The aim is to build knowledge, awareness and capability of these service providers to more effectively assist migrants and refugees resolve their settlement issues,’’ Mr Naja said.
The festival is in cooperation with Hoyts Cinemas Mount Druitt and supported by Blacktown Council.
Planning has already started for next year’s event.
‘‘We’ll soon be calling out for those interested and will work with them over the 12 months,’’ Mr Naja said.
‘‘We hope to have some Mount Druitt produced films next year.’’
Limited tickets are available to the public for $10, only available at MECA.
Details: 96259300.