This time, we screened Midnight Traveler, an award-winning documentary directed by Hassan Fazili. Filmed on three smartphones by Fazili, his wife and two daughters, it chronicles their three year journey from Afghanistan to Europe in search for asylum. At the heart, it is a story of a family caught up in history – who we see through their moments of joy and humour as well as through the harrowing moments they encounter along the way.

After the film, we had the pleasure of hearing from journalist, Zahra Shaheer, who spoke eloquently about her own experience. Zahra was a news anchor from 2011-2021 for Afghanistan’s government funded RTA channel. As a high-profile female journalist and divorcee, she was targeted by the Taliban. She fled the country after the Taliban came back into power in August 2021 and arrived in the UK shortly after. She currently lives in High Wycombe with her two children.

Zahra highlighted the challenges that women continue to face in Afghanistan and spoke passionately about her work advocating for women’s rights and girls’ education. She emphasized that she would “never be scared to speak out against the Taliban”. Zahra took questions and stayed long after her talk to engage with attendees.

Many commented on the “touching and thought-provoking” evening, saying that the film was one that “more people needed to watch, to see the refugee problem from the refugee’s point of view”. People were also impressed at “what an amazing and inspiring woman Zahra is” and were moved hearing her experiences first hand.

Attendees enjoyed the snacks made by our local Syrian refugee family. There were also Christmas cards designed by talented Hertfordshire based artist, Madeleine Hawkes for sale, by her daughter Alice. We are delighted that all proceeds of these stunning Christmas cards are being donated to Chiltern Welcomes this year.

With our combined efforts we were able to raise over £900 over the evening. We are extremely grateful to the Beacon School who have been so supportive in hosting our events. Special thanks go to our speaker Zahra Shaheer, Trina Richards (Wycombe Refugee Partnership), Lidia Khannanova (Citizens UK), as well as our dedicated trustees and volunteers without whom the evening would not have been possible.