On December 10th, the World Affairs Council of Harrisburg hosted a powerful evening at Central Penn College, featuring the award-winning documentary Gas Station or The Pigeons of Lahore by acclaimed journalist and filmmaker Dr. Thomas Sideris.
The film captivated audiences with its deeply moving portrayal of Pakistani immigrants in Greece, exploring their struggles, resilience, and humanity. Dr. Sideris wove in his personal connection, drawing parallels to his father’s experiences as a shipyard worker. Through stories of displacement, labor exploitation, and societal challenges, the documentary sheds light on the universal plight of refugees and migrants worldwide.
Following the screening, an insightful virtual discussion took place with Dr. Sideris and human rights advocates. Key themes included:
- The root causes of forced migration, including political repression, climate change, and economic instability.
- The role of media and storytelling in humanizing refugees and combating xenophobia.
- The urgent need for global collaboration to address rising displacement trends and uphold human dignity.
Attendees walked away with a deeper understanding of the complex forces driving migration and the shared humanity that connects us all.
For the full experience, watch the video to have access to subtitles. Thank you!
This event took place in conjunction with:
Journalists and Writers Foundation: http://www.jwf.org/
Greek Council for Refugees: https://gcr.gr/en/
Peace Islands Institute Pennsylvania: https://peaceislandspa.org/
Central Penn College: https://www.centralpenn.edu/
