WE ARE NOT POWERLESS
Running time: 95 mins
Ten years ago Muzafar Ali and his wife Nagina escaped the Taliban in Afghanistan. They found themselves living in Indonesia as refugees when Australia ‘stopped the boats’. Determined to do something, they started a small two room school, which soon became the hub of a community and the most successful refugee-led initiative in the world.
We Are Not Powerless tells the story of what can happen when a community refuses to give in and work together for hope, love, and education.
“It made me feel stronger. It’s contagious to see the strength of the women in the film. It is just brilliant and should be showered with acclaim.”
– Anandii, former Hungarian refugee
“What a magic film and a special night. A wonderful inspiration for all. Thank you so much.”
– Rebecca Elworthy
“Congratulations to the filmmakers and all the brave participants. Your optimism and dedication have resulted in fantastic opportunities for refugee children (especially girls) living in limbo in Indonesia.”
– Margy Dale
“I really appreciate your dedication and sacrifice for your community. It’s absolutely inspiring.”
– Ashraf Jawadi
“Important, insightful, honest work. It gives you hope that anything is possible. Don’t miss it.”
– Rosalyn Sultan
“I can thoroughly recommend schools screen this film. Was a brilliant session for year 10s.”
– Mhairi Hall, Librarian Rostrevor College
“If you were born in ‘the lucky country’ don’t miss this film. Oh heck, wherever you were born, watch this film.”
– Figtree Milton
“This movie was powerful. The Q&A was so deep! Message: talk to your neighbours. Be curious about one another. So much can happen from one interaction and one conversation. Also message: Women are such an integral part of the education and empowerment of humanity.”
– Tayebeh Shirazi
“What a warm and wonderful night out. Feeling inspired and ready to take on the world. Thanks to the team for sharing such an amazing story.”
– Joanne Warren, former teacher
“NSW Department of Education please ensure all high school students have the opportunity to see this incredibly positive story - empathy levels will rise!”
– Cathy Bray, Grandmothers for Refugees Sydney and Surrounds
“Thank you for such an inspiring and powerful film, and for sharing your stories! The Q&A was wonderfully insightful and moving.”
– Shei Teo
“A film of deep, lived experience. Refugees are resilient, brave, amazing, inspiring human beings that we can learn so much from.”
– Jane Purkiss
“It touched me deeply and beautifully demonstrated the power of education, knowledge and unity. My heartfelt thanks to Muzafar Ali, Nagina, Khalil, Tahira and everyone involved in sharing a genuine and powerful portrayal of Hazara life with the world.”
– Hadiya Ahmadi
“Your work is truly inspiring and fills me with pride. Seeing someone from my own homeland using their voice to create change gives me hope and reminds me that our stories and dreams still matter.”
– Mah Jan
“Showed the strength, courage and determination of the Hazara girls. Their stories touched my heart and reminded us of the power of hope, resilience and community. All I can say is thank you. ”
– Samira Ahmadi
“Moving and powerful. Incredibly intimate.”
– Madeleine Murray
“ So powerful. It highlights to the core what I do in my teaching role every day: provide opportunities for my students and their families.”
– Lenore Sommerfield
“Deeply touched my heart. It reflects the struggles of the Hazara community and refugees, but also their hope, courage, and determination to build a better future. Thank you for sharing these powerful stories and giving them a voice.”
– River Ahmad, First Afghan woman to climb Mount Everest
“Powerful and inspiring.”
– Constantine Osuchukwu, Chaplain Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School
“We feel so privileged to have you share your story, your passion and your determination with us. Not only was the film inspirational but your words were so powerful.”
– Anti Macri, Principal Adelaide Secondary School of English
“A moving testament to the strength, resilience and determination of refugees who turned hope into action and built a brighter future through education.”
– Abulfazl Zaki
“A story of the huge potential in each and every asylum seeker. It delves deep into stories of those determined individuals who kept moving despite being stuck in Indonesia.”
– Elias Karimi, President – The Hazara Association of Queensland
“Thank you for producing such an eye opening and inspiring documentary on the struggles, yet the incredible resilience, of Hazara refugees. Thank you for being the voice of the voiceless.”
– SABA Hazara Group
“So moving and so poignant to hear about all those generations of children who have now been given the gift of an education. What a gift you have given the world.”
– Sophia Turkiewicz
“A testament to the right to education and asylum, especially for refugees. I hope this film gets seen around Australia.”
– Talor Marshall
“A pleasure to reconnect with Muzafar and reflect on the special relationship between the Cisarua Learning Centre and AIS. Congratulations to the many former and current AIS staff, students and families who have supported this incredible partnership over the years.”
– Craig Eldred, former principal AIS Jakarta
“A true testament on how a community can overcome obstacles. Thank you for continuing to raise awareness on the plight of refugees who are stuck in limbo.”
– Welcome Merchant
“A most beautiful film, it deserves endless praise for highlighting the strength and generosity and resilience that humans possess. Bravo to all.”
– Janie Strahle