FILM PREMIERE
2023 | Anahita — A Mother’s Journey
Anahita was a police officer in Kabul. This documentary is her first-person account of escaping from Afghanistan in August 2021 with her five children, after being tipped off that the Taliban was looking for her. Anahita tells the harrowing story of getting into the airport, climbing over barbed wire, almost being shot by the Taliban, and the challenge of keeping her children safely by her side throughout the ordeal. She arrived at Fort Dix in New Jersey, where immigration officials began her resettlement process. Shortly after arriving, Anahita discovered something that would change her life and impact her family forever.
After the world premiere showing, audience members engaged in Q+A with the filmmakers as well as leaders in the local Afghan community. Proceeds from ticket sales and additional donations were shared by Belltower Pictures, ReEstablish Richmond, and the Afghan Association of Central Virginia.
BREAKING BREAD
Our signature series of culinary-centered events was designed to highlight the food and cultures of resettled communities here in Richmond; to empower chefs from within these communities; and to invite long-term Richmonders to better understand, identify with, and build community alongside our newest neighbors.
2021 | A Virtual Cooking Experience
Like many things this year, our Breaking Bread event was hosted in an online format, with virtual cooking demonstrations by chefs from Nepal, Nigeria, and Syria. Attendees received access to cooking videos by our guest chefs; a materials packet — including recipes, lists of ingredients, and a list of immigrant-owned local grocery stores — to participate alongside them; as well as a list of children's activities linked to the cultures/food and a specially curated play list of music from the chefs' home countries to enjoy while cooking.
2020 | Kneading Community at Home
This summer we hosted a virtual Breaking Bread dinner, watch party, and discussion of The Breadwinner, an award-winning film with refugee and immigrant themes. The multi-generational event was designed for families with children (upper elementary and older) and adults of all ages looking for a social event during a time of isolation. To enhance the viewing experience of this film, we created an Educational Guide, including background and cultural information, movie-themed activities and educational materials for students of all ages, recipes, and more!
2019 | Summer Series
For the first event in our summer series, attendees enjoyed an Afghan meal served family-style. For the second event, three local businesses — Sub Rosa Bakery, Nota Bene Restaurant, and Native Selections, distributor of organic and natural wines in Virginia — teamed up to present a unique Pop Up dinner + wine tasting event, with a portion of proceeds benefitting ReEstablish Richmond. For the third event, a cooking demonstration centered the food and customs of Congolese culture, especially the practices of preparing and sharing food.
WELCOME FEST
2018 | Our goal for WelcomeFest was to highlight the cultures of the refugee and immigrant communities in the greater Richmond area, celebrating the gifts, talents, and diversity that newcomers bring to our city. Attendees experienced international cultures through storytelling, dance, drumming, music, handicrafts, tea tasting, cooking demonstrations, and language lessons. Participants proudly shared these aspects of their culture with the community.
A TASTE OF AFGHANISTAN
2017 | In December this year, we hosted a dinner event to honor the food, culture, and experiences of members of our largest client community. Attendees savored delicious dishes prepared by Afghan women who have participated in ReEstablish Richmond programs like the Heela sewing course and our learner’s permit study course. Together we shared stories around the table, and long-term Richmonders learned about specific ways that ReEstablish Richmond helps newcomers rebuild their lives here. More details about the event are available in this blog post.