Music/Art/Drama – KWPeace

Film: The Voice of Hind Rajab, Princess Original Cinema at 7pm Friday 30 January 2026

What: Film: The Voice of Hind Rajab
When: 7:00pm on Friday 30 January 2026
Additional Showings: 4:30pm on Saturday 31 January 2026 and 2:30pm on Sunday 1 February 2026
Where: Princess Original Cinema
Location: 6 Princess Street West, Waterloo, Ontario Map
Tickets ($14.25): https://princesscinemas.com/movie/the-voice-of-hind-rajab
Phone: +1‑519‑884‑5112 (Princess Cinemas)

Dear Waterloo Region friends of Palestine,

WRFP is privileged to share our first film showing of 2026 with partner, Princess Cinema.

A shattering film using only sound and humanity; screened on the 2nd anniversary of the murder of 5 year-old Hind Rajab.

The voice of Hind Rajab is the voice of Gaza itself, a cry for rescue the entire world could hear, yet no one answered.

On January 29, 2024, a five-year-old Palestinian girl named Hind Rajab and six members of her family attempted to obey an evacuation order by Israel’s military before their home in Gaza City was to be bombed. The Israeli military shelled and shot at the fleeing vehicle, killing Hind’s family and trapping the young girl in the wreckage. Hind was able to place a call to the Palestinian Red Crescent begging for help as darkness falls. She waited 3 hours for an ambulance to be granted permission by the Israeli military to come to her only to have it shelled by a tank just as it reached her. The two paramedics were murdered — as was Hind herself.

Instead of directly depicting this horrific action, the director, Ben Hania, centers the drama within the offices of the Palestinian Red Crescent in the West Bank. The film chronicles the efforts of the call centre dispatcher to maintain an open phone line with Hind while negotiating safe passage for the rescue ambulance with Israel’s uncaring military.

In a bold and inspired move, the director utilizes the actual audio of Hind’s phone calls in the film, a choice that refocuses the line between fiction and documentary, yet never feels exploitative. The film was made with the support of Hind’s mother and the real-life dispatchers who tried to coordinate the rescue effort. The Voice of Hind Rajab is heartbreaking but it is also unflinching portrayal of genocidal intent and the dangers of humanitarian aid work in middle of military fire which targets civilians and civil society. The film is a memorial to a young, innocent life extinguished by a brutal genocide.

The film will be introduced with opening remarks by Robert Massoud, founder of Zatoun.

In deference to the film’s subject it will not be followed by the usual conversation / Q&A.

Tunisia, France, USA | Kaouther Ben Hania | 89 minutes | Arabic with English subtitles

Awards and reviews:

The Voice of Hind Rajab was awarded the Grand Jury Prize at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival in 2025. It received the longest standing ovation in the festival’s history (24 minutes). Director Ben Hania said in her powerful acceptance speech: “The voice of Hind is the voice of Gaza itself, a cry for rescue the entire world could hear, yet no one answered. Her voice will continue. Her voice will continue to echo until accountability is real, until justice is served.”

On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has 98% based on 49 critics reviews. The website’s consensus reads: “Incorporating real-life elements that are as difficult to witness as they are impossible to forget, The Voice of Hind Rajab is a harrowing docudrama that makes a powerful appeal to humanity.” Metacritic assigned the film a score of 85 out of 100, based on 14 critics, indicating “universal acclaim.”

“Not a day has gone by that I haven’t thought of Hind and the life that she was denied. Ben Hania’s film asks you to do the same: to remember her smile, her voice, her love of the sea, and her.” rogerebert.com.

The film is Tunisia’s entry for Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards on March 15, 2026.

Hope to see you at the film on Friday, 30 January 2026 (extra showings on Saturday and Sunday). Please share with family and friends. Princess Cinema needs our support to encourage screening of more films on or about Palestine. Thank you.

In solidarity and peace,
Irene, Robert and WRFP

Lecture: Poetry, Pain, and the Promise of Palestine, UofW, 7-9pm on Wednesday 26 November 2025

What: Poetry, Pain, and the Promise of Palestine
When: 7:00pm-9:00pm on Wednesday 26 November 2025
Where: Federation Hall, University of Waterloo
Location: 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario Map
Register Online: https://uwaterloo.ca/arts/events/poetry-pain-and-promise-palestine

The University of Waterloo’s Faculty of Arts is honoured to present guest speaker Dr. Sa’ed Atshan – scholar, Palestinian Quaker, and LGBTQ human rights advocate – on the role of poetry in capturing the realities of contemporary Palestinian life in the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and beyond.

Please join us for this unique opportunity to explore how interdisciplinary scholarship can be applied to both understand and address a global crisis which has had such tragic human consequences.

About the speaker

A bald man wearing a suit jacket. He is staring past the camera to the left. — Sa’ed Atshan

Dr. Sa’ed Atshan is Associate Professor of Peace and Conflict Studies and Anthropology and Chair of the Department of Peace and Conflict Studies at Swarthmore College. He has previously served as an Associate Professor of Anthropology at Emory University, as a Visiting Assistant Professor of Anthropology and Senior Research Scholar at the University of California, Berkeley, and as a Postdoctoral Fellow at Brown University’s Watson Institute for International Studies. He earned a PhD in Anthropology and Middle Eastern Studies and MA in Social Anthropology from Harvard University, an MPP from the Harvard Kennedy School, and BA from Swarthmore College. Atshan is the author of Queer Palestine and the Empire of Critique (Stanford University Press, 2020), coauthor (with Katharina Galor) of The Moral Triangle: Germans, Israelis, Palestinians (Duke University Press, 2020), and co-editor (with Galor) of Reel Gender: Palestinian and Israeli Cinema (Bloomsbury, 2022).

Details and proceedings

Registration is required for in-person and online attendance. For those attending in-person, proof of registration is required at the reception area.

Doors open: 6:30 p.m.
Lecture and moderated Q & A: 7:00 to 8:20 p.m.
Reception for the in-person audience: 8:30 to 9:00 p.m.

Paid visitor parking is available in Lot M across from Federation Hall. More parking information.

This lecture is made possible through the generosity of alumni and friends. UofW Faculty of Arts extends sincere appreciation to the donors who contributed to the Foundation for Palestinian Studies Fund.

Watch past recordings from the UofW Palestinian Lectures series on YouTube.

Film Screening: The Spirit of ’45, 2pm on Saturday 22 November 2025 at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church

What: Waterloo Region Health Coalition Fundraiser Screening of The Spirit of ’45
When: 2:00pm to 5:00pm Saturday 22 November 2025
Where: Heather Room, St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church
Location: 54 Queen Street North, Kitchener, Ontario Map
Register & Tickets: PWYC, $10 suggested https://www.eventbrite.com/e/waterloo-region-health-coalition-fundraiser-screening-of-the-spirit-of-45-tickets-1966155920285
Contact: admin@ontariohc.ca

The Spirit of '45 (B&W photo of people gathering. From their clothing this is in 1945)
Come together for The Spirit of ’45. A story of hope, solidarity, and the power of community in protecting public healthcare.

Ontario’s public healthcare is under threat, and our communities are speaking up. The Waterloo Region Health Coalition affiliated with the Ontario Health Coalition (OHC) is part of a province-wide movement urging the Ford government to stop the privatization of our healthcare system.

Join us for a special screening of The Spirit of ’45, a moving film that reminds us of what’s possible when people come together for the common good. Through the story of post-war Britain’s creation of public healthcare, we’re reminded why protecting ours matters now more than ever.

This fundraiser is more than a movie, it’s a call to action, a chance to stand together for fairness, compassion, and care for all.

Admission and Donations

How much is admission?

Admission is by donation. We suggest a minimum of $10, with all proceeds supporting the Waterloo Region Health Coalition’s work to protect public healthcare in Ontario. You’re welcome to contribute more if you wish; every bit helps!

Can donations be made at the door on the event day?

Donations can be made by e-transfer to admin@ontariohc.ca (include “Waterloo fundraiser” in the message) OR by credit card at https://www.ontariohealthcoalition.ca/index.php/donate-now/

Can donations be made at the door on the event day?

Yes, we will accept cash or personal cheques at the door.

Multicultural Festival of Elmira, Gibson Park, 11am to 6pm on Saturday 20 September 2025

What: Multicultural Festival of Elmira
When: 11:00am to 6:00pm on Saturday 20 September 2025
Where: Gibson Park
Location: 17 First Street West, Elmira, Ontario Map
Online: https://heartsopenforeveryone.ca/multicultural-festival-of-elmira/
Contact: info@heartsopenforeveryone.ca

Cultural Food – Indigenous Lacrosse Demo – Hair Braiding – Origami – Community Mural Art | Mennonite History – Henna – Face Painting – Madhubani Art – Cultures United Tent

Free Entry – All Are Welcome

Performances by Christin Dennis – Peg and Darrel – Two Families Band – Los Hijos de Tuta – Nii Osabu – Korexion – Moka Band – Tracy Lee – El Ceibo – Culture Philippines of Ontario

with MC Jahmeeks Beckford and DJ Gury Gury

O’Canada Occasion – Amnesty International Fundraiser, KW Little Theatre, 6pm on Saturday 13 September 2025

What: Amnesty International Group Nine Fundraiser
When: 6:00pm to 9:00pm, Saturday, 13 September 2025
Where: KW Little Theatre
Location: 9 Princess Street East, Waterloo, Ontario Map
Online: https://www.facebook.com/events/980367933977321/
Tickets ($25.00): groupnine9@gmail.com

Celebrate human rights for 2SLGBTQIA+

Skits, music, drag show, silent auction, snacks and beverages!

Tickets are $25. Send an e-transfer to groupnine9@gmail.com with the message “fundraiser ticket“. We’ll welcome you at the door!

Fundraiser Highlights:

A silent auction including:

Works of art by local artists Sandee Lovas, Jackie Bradshaw, Janet Main, and Sharon Woodley
Gift certificate for two to attend Mysterious Players at the Aberfoyle Mill: Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre
Two beautiful traditionally hand crafted Persian tablecloths / wall hangings
Music with a human rights theme provided by local band Ironhorse and members of the Old Chestnuts Song Circle “Channeling Pete Seeger”.
Drag Performances featuring Quinta Sensual and Uncle Rabbit (They/Them).
A live auction with some tongue-in-cheek poking fun at American calls for annexation of Canada.
Presentations including a sharing of personal experiences of human rights issues from two of our 2SLGBTQIA+ members and an interview with Dr. Nancy R. Tapias Torrado, UW Prof of Human Rights and former Amnesty International’s Americas Regional Researcher (International Secretariat, London, UK)

Group Nine is the local chapter of Amnesty International Canada in the Kitchener-Waterloo area.

Group Nine meets at 7:30 pm on the first Tuesday of every month in The Fretz Seminar Room (Room 4224) at Conrad Grebel College, University of Waterloo (140 Westmount Road North, Waterloo) Map 2

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmnestyInternationalGroup9/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amnestygroup9/

www.amnesty.ca
groupnine9@gmail.com

Palestine Day: The Land Remains, Carl Zehr Square (Kitchener City Hall), 1pm Sunday 13 July 2025

What: 4th Annual KW Palestine Festival
When: 1:00pm to 9:00pm on Sunday 13 July 2025
Where: Carl Zehr Square, at Kitchener City Hall
Location: 200 King Street West, Kitchener, Ontario Map
Website: Palestine Day: The Land Remains (@kwpalestinefestival on Instagram)

Supported by:

Indigenous Peoples Day Sunrise Ceremony at the Willow River Centre, 7am on Saturday 21 June 2025

What: Indigenous Peoples Day Sunrise Ceremony
When: 7:00am on Saturday 21 June 2025
Where: Willow River Centre
Location: 243 King Street East, Kitchener, Ontario Map
Website: https://www.kwmf.ca/indigenous

Sunrise Ceremony
June 21 @ 7am
Join Us For
Food Fire Speakers Drumming
Opening at Willow River Centre
Sacred Fire 7am-10am
Multicultural Festival 12pm

National Indigenous Peoples Month & Pride Kickoff at Kitchener Market, 10am on Sunday 1 June 2025

What: National Indigenous Peoples Month & Pride Kickoff
When: 10:00am to 2:00pm on Sunday 1 June 2025
Where: In front of the Kitchener Market
Location: 300 King Street East, Kitchener, Ontario Map
Website: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=965234062444705

Food, craft vendors, live music and more!
Rain or shine!

A free Night of Labour Films, 7pm Thursday 28 November 2024 at the Apollo Cinema

What: Five short Labour films
When: 7:00pm to 9:00pm, Thursday 28 November 2024
Where: Apollo Cinema
Location: 141 Ontario Street North, Kitchener Map
RSVP: https://waterloolabour.ca/events/cliff24-waterloo-region-screening/

From the Waterloo Region Labour Council:

Get ready for a cinematic experience that celebrates the spirit of the labour movement! We’re excited to invite you to an evening of inspiring and thought-provoking films from the Canadian Labour International Film Festival!

We’ll be showcasing five captivating short films, including:

Curious about what to expect? Learn more about the film lineup at Labour Films

Feel free to bring your friends, and let’s make it a memorable evening!

Can’t wait to see you there! 🎥✨

WE ARE A MEMBER OF
Canadian Labour Congress
Ontario Federation of Labour

50 Sportsworld Crossing Road (East Building), Suite #220,
Kitchener, ON N2P 0A4, Canada

Film: Walking Through The Fire at Zion United Church, New Hamburg at 7pm on Thursday 14 November 2024

From Caterina Lindman’s newsletter:

What: Walking Through the Fire
When: 7:00pm on Thursday 14 November 2024
Where: Zion United Church
Location: Map
Register: https://walkingwilmot.eventbrite.ca

This is the screening of a visual album, entitled Walking Through the Fire. It’s an opportunity to hear music and stories from Indigenous musicians from across Canada. This film, created by the award-winning Sultans of String, will be screened at Zion United Church, New Hamburg on Thursday, November 14, 2024 at 7 p.m. Register now.