The festival will also screen films based on the untold stories of the Gaza war. Photo: Arab Film Media Insta
The Arab Film Festival is ongoing in the American city of San Francisco, which Maya Laban, the festival’s managing director, says aims to ‘challenge stereotypes and promote dialogue.’
According to Arab News, the festival, which began on October 24, will continue until November 3, and will be inaugurated by Palestinian filmmaker Muhammad Jabali’s film ‘Life is Beautiful: A Letter to Gaza.’ done since
The film is actually based on Mohammed Jabali’s own story when the Gaza borders were suddenly closed in 2014 and he unexpectedly had to move to Norway.
The film depicts Jabali’s feelings and emotions that he felt in a foreign country alone away from home and family.
During this time, new people and new friendships in Norway brought hope to Mohammad Jabali’s heart, but on the other hand, the feeling of sadness and helplessness from the stories of violence and displacement in his homeland remained alive.
Managing Director Maya Laban told Arab News that this is the first time that the festival has been opened with a documentary film.
‘The Arab Film Festival not only celebrates cinema, but is an important cultural event that challenges stereotypes while promoting dialogue and understanding.’
“In the current political climate where representation means more than ever, the Arab Film Festival provides a platform to advance the voices of Arab American filmmakers,” he added.
The Arab Film Festival was launched in 1996 and is the largest, oldest and independent Arab film festival outside the Arab world.
It aims to present a true narrative that highlights the complexities and diversity of Arab culture.
This year, the festival will screen more than 40 films from 26 countries, of which 16 are directed by women.
The festival will also screen a collection of 22 short films shot in Gaza called ‘From Ground Zero’. Led by Palestinian director Rashid Mashrawi, the project aims to bring the voices of Gazan filmmakers to the fore and tell the untold stories of the recent war.
The film ‘Arza’ by Lebanese director Meera Shoaib will also be screened at the festival. The film is the story of a single mother living in Beirut who supports her sister and young son.
“Our goal is not just entertainment,” says managing director Laban, “when we tell real Arab stories, we are also reshaping these concepts and possibly the policies that are based on these concepts.” are.’
