General News
11 December, 2025
Shared Table shines light on regional heroes
THE documentary Shared Table: Regional Heroes premiered to a strong community turnout at Hoyts Melbourne Central on Tuesday, December 2, drawing almost 200 people to celebrate stories of migration, identity and belonging in regional Victoria.
Directed by Nandita Chakraborty and produced by Niru Tripathi, the film places food, shared meals and everyday moments at the centre of deeply personal journeys, highlighting the lives of migrants who have made regional towns their home.
Director Nandita said the idea evolved after an unexpected suggestion during early planning.
“After several brainstorming sessions, it was actually Ray, our sound recordist, who said, ‘Why not food?’ That simple question shifted everything,” she said.
“It opened up a path to tell stories where culture, identity, and migration come alive through shared meal moments where silence breaks over a cup of tea or a piece of bread.”
The film features stories of the Karen community in Nhill, a Cambodian person from Dimboola, two Afghan boys from Shepparton, an Indian lady from Bendigo, a Bangladeshi chef from Melbourne and a Nepalese doctor from Gippsland, all doing well in their respective fields and contributing to regional Victoria.
As a migrant herself, Ms Nandita said the project carried emotional weight.
“Creating this documentary felt deeply personal, and it is a reminder that our stories matter, that everyday people carry extraordinary journeys, and that now more than ever we need to listen,” she said.
The film deliberately turns the spotlight away from capital cities and onto the strength of regional communities.
“Migrant communities are contributing profoundly to the culture, social, and economic life of regional Victoria,” Ms Nandita said.
“They are rebuilding towns, opening businesses, bringing new ideas and traditions, and enriching local food cultures, yet their journeys are often left out of the national story.”
One of the film’s featured voices, Chan Uoy, who spent a few years in a refugee camp and faced anti-asian racism, said he joined the project to create representation for regional migrant communities.
“It’s important to have representation, especially in regional Victoria,” he said.
“I represent the older generation, like next year it’s 50 years I’ve been in Australia, so it’s a story of long-term commitment to multiculturalism.”
Seeing his life on screen was emotional for Chan.
“It reminds me of who I am and what I’ve been through,” he said.
“I want people to know you can grow from hardship and don’t give up on your passion and dreams.”
Chan’s favourite part of the film was Wendy Bywaters’ anti-racism and anti-hate comments.
Producer Niru Tripathi said the project began soon after the success of their first film, Silent Heroes, which focused on Melbourne.
“I felt Victoria is not just the city, but also the regional communities deserve to be highlighted,” she said.
“From developing the concept, applying for grants and completing production, the journey took nearly a year.”
She said the premiere itself reflected the heart of the project.
“The red carpet, free popcorn and drinks were fun, but the real highlight was the team behind the film and the incredible talents and their stories made the day special,” she said.
“People were proud seeing two women’s friendship and their souls and lives in making this documentary.”
Despite working with a small team and limited resources, Niru said the project never lost direction.
“It was a large-scale project for a small team; managing tight timelines and budget constraints were our biggest challenges,” she said.
“But we stayed close to the real stories of the people we featured.
“Allowing them to speak in their own voice, in their own environment, kept the film honest while strong storytelling ensured it remained engaging.”
Another cast member, Wendy Bywaters, who runs a bed and breakfast in regional Victoria, said the crew became ‘part of the family’ during filming.
“We were living together, by the time I was interviewed, I felt very comfortable,” she said.
“Everything I shared was real.”
Ms Wendy said migration had transformed her town, particularly through the Karen community.
“Our town actually grew at the last census, and I know it’s because of the migrants,” she said.
“They’re not taking anything, but they’re just building this place.”
Her message to audiences was simple.
“Don’t judge, you just get to know them,” she said.
“We all laugh and smile in the same language.”
Following its Melbourne premiere, Shared Table: Regional Heroes will head to film festivals across Australia, with plans for university screenings and hopes of future streaming distribution on SBS On Demand.
Director Nandita said success would mean the stories travel far beyond the cinema.
“If the audience watches it, reflects and feels inspired to engage, then we’ve truly achieved something meaningful,” she said.