‘Masha & Valentyna’ in Gilgandra, Central NSW
22.04.2023
A documentary by Sydney-based director Simon Target, presenting stories of two Ukrainian women who left for Poland after Russia’s invasion, was one of the three films shown at the Gilgandra Film Festival 2023. As part of the screening, the exhibition ‘Mum, I don’t want wat!’ that combines drawings made by Polish and Ukrainian children was presented. The festival became an opportunity to discuss with the local community of this country town in Central NSW the consequences of the war for our region and the situation of Ukrainian refugees in Poland.
Gilgandra Film Festival gathered over 200 participants, including Mayor of Gilgandra Shire Council Doug Batten, local media and the Aboriginal Elders. More information can be found at Festival’s website: www.gilgaff.com.au
The Exhibition ‘Mom, I don’t want war!’ is an effect of collaboration between Polish and Ukrainian National Archives and the project Mom I see war. The exhibition combines drawings made by Polish children in 1946 presenting their experiences of the World War II and by Ukrainian children from the recent war waged by Russia. Gilgandra is the first location in regional Australia where the exhibition has been presented. Previous viewings took place in Sydney and Canberra.
