After 9/11 the War on Terror makes many in the Lebanese Australian community feel their loyalty is being unfairly questioned. Zaky Mallah is a Punchbowl teenager recovering from the early death of his parents. Searching for answers in Islam he looks for meaning in jihad. As the Howard Government introduces new anti-terrorist laws, Zaky becomes the first Australian in history to be charged under the new counter-terrorist laws. Elsewhere in Sydney, for decades two worlds have shared Cronulla Beach, the Western Suburbs and the Cronulla Shire. On December 4, 2005 after years of mounting tension a fight breaks out between off duty life guards and a group of Lebanese Australian men. The media fans the flames of racism and the message is clear: Arabs are attacking the Aussie way of life. On Sunday December 11, the infamous racially fuelled Cronulla Riots make headlines around the world. (Commissioned by SBS) (Documentary) (class tba) CC
Once Upon a Time in Punchbowl was broadcast on SBS ONE at Thursday 3 July 2014, 11:30.