Movies Logo
Once Upon a Time in Punchbowl

Once Upon a Time in Punchbowl

"A journey to call Australia home"

Tells the inside story of the challenges the Lebanese Australian community has faced in Australia and how they have fought to overcome them. This landmark documentary series hears from community leaders, police, families and individuals, as they combine to tell the compelling and dramatic story of a proud and resilient community, under intense pressure and scrutiny. The story begins in the 1970s when large numbers of Lebanese migrants flooded into Australia. Many were Muslim, most were traumatised by civil war, all were desperate to build a better future. Over the coming decades, these new Australians struggled to establish a new life in their adopted country.

Created By
StatusReturning Series
Original NameOnce Upon a Time in Punchbowl
First Air DateJune 19, 2014
Last Air DateJuly 10, 2014
Seasons1
Episodes4
Episode Runtime 50min
LanguageEnglish
Original LanguageEnglish
Production Countries
Production Companies
NetworksSBS
S01E04

2005-2012

After the Cronulla Beach riots in December 2005, lots of Lebanese Australians were left outraged at what they perceive as an attack by wider Australia on their Australian identity, their culture and religion. After rumours spread of reprisals against the Lakemba Mosque thousands met up to protect the building.

View Episodes