A beautifully evocative thought, blending “piquancy” and “migrancy,” offers a profound metaphor for a documentary that invites the viewer to reflect on the rich, layered beauty of diversity. “Piquancy” suggests a sharp, appetizing flavour, while “migrancy” introduces the complexity of diverse cultural experiences. This documentary, Piquancy – Silent Heroes of CALD Community Voices, brilliantly weaves these ideas together, showcasing the powerful fusion of stories, perspectives, and histories. It is a celebration of how the unique flavours of individuals from various backgrounds contribute to the collective experience, enriching the narrative in ways that cannot be measured. Through this documentary, the creators bring together an elevated, intensified experience, leaving a lasting impact on the audience.
The film is a co-production between Niru Tripathi, the Founder and President of CALD Community Voices, and Nandita Chakraborty, a writer and director. Piquancy – Silent Heroes is a tribute bringing the voices of CALD communities to the forefront. Supported by the Victorian Government, the documentary features the inspiring journeys of people from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities who have made meaningful contributions to Australian society.
The documentary's recent screening at the Parliament on March 18th, during Cultural Diversity Week, was made possible by the efforts of Greens MLC Anasina Gray Barberio. “We are delighted to invite you as a special guest to this fantastic event, where powerful stories will be celebrated on screen. This documentary celebrates the rich fabric of a migrant’s journey, bringing to light inspiring human stories alongside Melbourne’s vibrant culture and diverse communities. “Anasina Gray Barberio MLC, Member for Northern Metropolitan Region
The event helped foster deeper conversations about diversity and multiculturalism in Australia. Prior to the Parliament screening, Piquancy – Silent Heroes was originally premiered at Cinema Nova in November 2024. The screening was attended by figures such as Samantha Ratnam, and from that initial showing, the thought of bringing the documentary to Parliament began to take shape. Much of this came to fruition due to the advocacy and support of Dr. Sabi Kaphle, a Senior Academic and Social Activist.
As Dr. Kaphle aptly put it: “Diversity is the vibrant thread that weaves our communities together, fostering innovation, creativity, and growth, and reminding us that our differences are not just our greatest strength but our most precious asset. This documentary is a testament to this construct of diversity as a strength in our community, which we embrace to belong.”
The documentary explores not just individual stories but also how Melbourne thrives on diversity and the continuous interplay of cultures that have shaped the city's identity.
Piquancy – Silent Heroes highlights the lived experiences of individuals from CALD backgrounds, capturing their struggles and triumphs in navigating identity, cultural exchange, and integration into Melbourne’s ever-evolving social fabric.
Through heartfelt interviews and personal anecdotes, the film underscores how cultural expression strengthens Melbourne's multicultural identity, fostering empathy, understanding, and a sense of belonging. It also showcases the resilience, creativity, and invaluable contributions of these individuals, reminding audiences of the importance of representation in the media.
The film’s creation was deeply personal for its creators. Both Niru and Nandita, having themselves experienced migration, shared a vision of telling stories that highlight the importance of migration in shaping Melbourne. When Niru approached Nandita with the idea, she was immediately struck by the trust Niru had in her to craft the story. Together, they embarked on this journey to celebrate the unsung heroes of Melbourne’s CALD communities.
The production process was swift, beginning in earnest with Nandita's crafting of the concept, script, and pitch document around this time last year. By August, filming was completed.
The creative team, including Sam Thang Man, the Director of Photography from Burma, and Chengrui Ray Zang, the Sound Designer from China, worked tirelessly to bring the documentary to life. For a month, Nandita along with Sam dedicated. long hours to editing, color grading, and perfecting the story so that it would feel like a personal conversation rather than a traditional documentary.
The documentary was not made for financial gain but rather to highlight the real-life heroes of Melbourne’s CALD communities. Niru, Nandita, and their collaborators wanted to ensure that the voices of both established and new migrants were heard. Through these stories, the creators hoped to give the audience a deeper understanding of the contributions migrants have made to the city’s economy, culture, and identity. Their purpose was to shed light on the often-overlooked contributions of these individuals, celebrating the rich diversity that Melbourne is known for.
The documentary has already made a significant impact with its screenings, and its journey is far from over. The screening at the Parliament opened the door to even more opportunities, including a special screening at the Immigration Museum in Melbourne. This screening was organized by Rohini Kappadath, the General Manager of the Immigration Museum, and further reinforced the conversation around the importance of cultural diversity.
“In celebration of Cultural Diversity Week, Immigration Museum’s Discovery Centre will host a rolling screening of “Piquancy" a documentary that explores the nuanced narratives of diverse voices, highlighting the rich tapestry of experiences that shape our understanding of belonging.
By cantering stories of individuals from varied backgrounds, the film invites viewers to reflect on their own connections to community and identity - and serves as a powerful platform for dialogue.” ROHINI KAPPADATH
More screenings and discussions are expected to follow, as people from all walks of life are drawn to the powerful message of unity and inclusivity in the film.
Piquancy – Silent Heroes is a poignant reminder of the strength that comes from embracing diversity. The film serves as a catalyst for dialogue and reflection, encouraging audiences to celebrate the richness that migrants bring to Australia.
As the creators themselves have emphasized, this documentary is about belonging—about the power of shared experiences and the beautiful complexity that comes with the fusion of different cultures.
For those who have not yet seen it, Piquancy – Silent Heroes is a must-watch. It is a deeply moving, insightful, and beautiful portrayal of the many faces of Melbourne, telling stories that are as diverse as the city itself.
Those interested in learning more about the invaluable contributions of CALD communities are encouraged to attend upcoming screenings, where they can experience this heartfelt and inspiring documentary firsthand. G'day wishes the team continued success as they share their vision with the world.
G’day India