Director talkbacks, workshops and special events amplify marginalized voices
Dearborn, Mich. (May 7, 2018) – The Arab Film Festival (AFF) returns to Cinetopia Film Festival May 31 through June 10 with an expanded short films program, director talkbacks, special events and a robust lineup of award-winning feature films from the Arab World. Films will screen in Ann Arbor (Michigan Theater and State Theater) and Dearborn (Arab American National Museum).
Presented by the Arab American National Museum (AANM), this marks the Museum’s 13th AFF and the fourth time AFF has been presented in collaboration with Cinetopia, a seven-year-old film festival featuring a curated selection of films in Ann Arbor, Dearborn and Detroit.
This year’s film program features films from the Arab World that amplify the perspective of marginalized communities — bringing often unheard voices to the forefront and giving a platform to these characters, stories and artists. These films, with few exceptions, are unlikely to reach American commercial theaters and almost all are making their Michigan premieres at AFF.
The lineup includes the U.S. premiere of several titles, including A Certain Nasser, an intimate portrait of Georges Nasser, the ‘grandfather of Lebanese cinema,’ which is paired with the first Lebanese film screened at the Cannes Film Festival, Nasser’s 1957 classic Where to? (June 10).
A critical smash at Cannes this year, Beauty and the Dogs (June 6, 7) tells the story of a young Tunisian woman’s harrowing night in which she must fight for her rights and her dignity. A talkback with The Campaign director Jenny Montasir and Amanda Ajrouche, coordinator of Domestic Violence Prevention at ACCESS, will immediately follow the film.
The short films program, a perennial festival favorite, has expanded this year to include two unique programs of award-winning shorts, all of which will make their Michigan premiere at AFF. The first shorts program focuses on Everyday Heroes from the Arab World(June 8)and the second program, Celebrating Arab Women Filmmakers (June 9),features short films exclusively directed by and starring women.
Interactive programming and special events at this year’s festival include the AFF Opening Reception (June 8), Screenwriting Workshop(June 1-3), a panel discussion, New Reflections on Arab American Representation in the Media (June 9) and an Iftar dinner following the inspiring documentary film Soufrathat follows one woman’s mission to start a food catering business in the Burj el-Barajneh refugee camp in Lebanon (June 9).
All films are presented with English subtitles.
Tickets to all AFF screenings can be purchased at http://cinetopiafestival.org/tickets/, or at the door during the festival, if available. View the full schedule at http://arabamericanmuseum.org/aff18.
2018 ARAB FILM FESTIVAL SCHEDULE
Friday-Sunday, June 1-3, 2018 @ AANM
Screenwriting Workshop
Led by New York-based filmmaker Darine Hotait, this workshop is designed for those interested in gaining or sharpening screenwriting skills. It focuses on the primary elements of a screenplay: acts structure, character development and scene breakdown. Using various exercises to put all the elements into practice, participants will be guided through the process of developing a simple idea into a three-page screenplay draft. No experience necessary. In AANM’s Ebeid Library & Resource Center.
6-8 p.m. June 1
1-5 p.m. June 2
1-5 p.m. June 3
$25 Museum Members; $30 students; $50 general public
REGISTRATION: http://arabamericanmuseum.org/aff18
FRIDAY, JUNE 1, 2018 @ MICHIGAN THEATER ANN ARBOR
5:45 p.m. Friday, June 1 @ MICHIGAN THEATER ANN ARBOR
also
2 p.m. Saturday, June 9 @ MICHIGAN THEATER ANN ARBOR
1 p.m. Sunday, June 10 @ AANM
This is Home (feature) MICHIGAN PREMIERE
Dir. Alexandra Shiva
2018/Jordan, Syria, USA/91 min./PG 13
For four Syrian families resettling in Baltimore, MD, the clock starts ticking as soon as they arrive. Assistance from the International Rescue Committee assistance ends promptly after eight months, but just four months in, the Trump administration issues the Muslim ban. Suddenly, their lives, and those of all still trapped in Syria, become all the more perilous.
Winner of Audience Award at Sundance Film Festival
“…a timely reminder that humanity knows no borders.”
–Screen Daily
SUNDAY, JUNE 3, 2018 @ MICHIGAN THEATER ANN ARBOR
3:45 p.m. Sunday, June 3 @ MICHIGAN THEATER ANN ARBOR
also
4 p.m. Thursday, June 7 @ MICHIGAN THEATRE ANN ARBOR
7:15 p.m. Saturday, June 9 @ AANM + Iftar Dinner
Soufra
Dir. Thomas Morgan
2017/Lebanon/73 min./PG
Soufra follows the inspirational story of intrepid social entrepreneur Mariam Shaar, a refugee who has spent her entire life in the Burl El Barajneh refugee camp south of Beirut. Follow Mariam and a diverse team of fellow refugee women as they set out to change their fate by launching a catering company and a food truck business. Together, they heal the wounds of war through the unifying power of food while taking their future into their own hands.
“A stirring tale of empowerment…shows how societal change can begin with small steps.”
-The New York Times
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6, 2018 @ AANM
6:45 p.m. Wednesday, June 6 @ AANM + discussion
also
9:30 p.m. Thursday, June 7 @ STATE THEATER ANN ARBOR
The Campaign (short) MICHIGAN PREMIERE
Dir. Jenny Montasir
2017/Egypt/17 min.
According to the United Nations, 99% of women in Egypt have experienced harassment. HarassMap, which has been working to combat sexual harassment since 2010, decides to create a major anti-harassment TV campaign. The Campaign follows HarassMap’s journey and challenges including a potentially unresponsive public. Followed by discussion with director Jenny Montasir and Amanda Ajrouche of ACCESS’ Domestic Violence Prevention program.
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Beauty and the Dogs/Aala Kaf Ifrit (feature) MICHIGAN PREMIERE
Dir. Kaouther Ben Hania
2017/Tunisia/100 min./R
A critical smash at Cannes, this is a gripping moral conundrum featuring two young Tunisians. When Mariam is raped after leaving a party, she is propelled into a harrowing night in which she must fight for her rights and her dignity. Based on a true story, this film tells an urgent, unapologetic and important tale head on.
“A crescendo of humiliation, anxiety and abuse…a horror movie where every choice is a Catch-22 and every door a trap.”
–The New York Times
THURSDAY, JUNE 7, 2018 @ AANM; MICHIGAN THEATER + STATE THEATER, ANN ARBOR
4 p.m. Thursday, June 7 @ MICHIGAN THEATRE ANN ARBOR
Soufra
Dir. Thomas Morgan
2017/Lebanon/73 min./PG
See description 3:45 p.m. Sunday, June 3
6 p.m. Thursday, June 7 @ AANM
Wajib MICHIGAN PREMIERE
Dir. Annemarie Jacir
2017/Palestine/96 min./PG 13
After years abroad in Italy, Shadi (Saleh Bakri) returns to his hometown of Nazareth to begrudgingly hand-deliver invitations to his sister’s wedding, with this father, Abu Shadi (Mohammad Bakri), per local Palestinian tradition. Directed by the brilliant Annemarie Jacir and with the talent of Saleh and Mohammad Bakri (father and son both onscreen and off), Wajib is a powerful yet subtle look into the complexities of tradition, power and family.
Palestine’s official entry in the 2018 Academy Awards; winner of Muhr Award for Best Fiction Feature Film & Best Actor at Dubai IFF.
“An intimate, well-played disquisition on what it means to be a Palestinian abroad versus a Palestinian at home.”
-Variety
9:30 p.m. Thursday, June 7 @ STATE THEATER ANN ARBOR
and
6:45 p.m. Wednesday, June 6 @ AANM
Beauty and the Dogs/Aala Kaf Ifrit (feature) MICHIGAN PREMIERE
Dir. Kaouther Ben Hania
2017/Tunisia/100 min./R
See description 6:45 p.m. June 6
FRIDAY, JUNE 8, 2018 @ AANM
4:30 p.m. Friday, June 8 @ AANM
Mr. Gay Syria MICHIGAN PREMIERE
Dir. Ayse Toprak
2017/Syria, Turkey/84 min./PG 13
Mr. Gay Syria gives us an intimate look into the complex lives of several gay Syrian refugees living in Istanbul. Mahmoud, founder of Syria’s LGBTQ movement; Husein, a barber; and Omar, a love-struck chef, all dream of Syrian representation and awareness of their situation at the Mr. Gay World competition. Battling multiple factors, including a conservative society and the refugee crisis, will they reach their dreams or be shattered by the harsh reality of their surroundings?
Silver Hugo Award for Best Documentary at Chicago IFF
“The instances of oppression and homophobia are outnumbered by scenes depicting matter-of-factly the lives of these resilient men.”
–The Guardian
6:45 p.m. Friday, June 8 @ AANM
Everyday Heroes (shorts)
98 min./films rated PG, PG 13 and R
These short films feature the unlikely individuals who raise their voices, keep us safe and give us hope. Several are Michigan or U.S. premieres.
Language/Lugha
Dir. Mortada Gzar
2017/Iraq/12 min./PG
Last Days of the Man of Tomorrow/ Akher Ayam Rajoul El Ghad
Dir. Fadi Baki
2017/Lebanon, Germany/29 min./R
Caravan
Dir. Suzanne Mirghani
2016/Qatar/6 min./PG
Sabeya
Dir. Dhyaa Joda
2017/Iraq/17 min./PG 13
Silence/Samt
Dir. Chadi Aoun
2017/Lebanon/15 min./PG 13
The President’s Visit
Dir. Cyril Aris
2017/Lebanon/19 min./PG 13
9-11 p.m. Friday, June 8 @ AANM
AFF Reception
Includes refreshments, music, dancing, networking under the stars on AANM’s rooftop terrace. Free and open to the public.
SATURDAY, JUNE 9, 2018 @ AANM + MICHIGAN THEATER ANN ARBOR
11 a.m. Saturday, June 9 @ AANM
Nile Hilton Incident
Dir. Tarik Saleh
2017/Egypt, Sweden, Denmark, Germany/107 min./R
A political thriller based on a true story. Weeks before the 2011 Egyptian revolution, a police officer in Cairo’s corrupt system investigates the murder of a famous club singer at the Nile Hilton Hotel. What initially seems to be a crime of passion turns into something that concerns the power elite of Egypt. The officer decides to break the rules to obtain justice, colliding not only with the system but also with himself.
Winner – Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival
“…transplants the dark, cynical heart of film noir to the streets of Cairo.”
–Variety
2 p.m. Saturday, June 9 @ AANM
Celebrating Arab Women Filmmakers (shorts)
91 min.
Shorts directed by established Arab and Arab American women, each with a strong female lead.
Aya
Dir. Moufida Fedhila
2017/Tunisia/24 min./PG 13
Unspoken
Dir. Samia Badih
2017/UAE/11 min./PG 13
In White
Dir. Dania Bdeir
2017/Lebanon/18 min./PG
Lollipop/Halawa
Dir. Hanaa Saleh Alfassi
2017/Saudi Arabia, Morocco, UAE, USA/13 min./PG 13
Like Salt
Dir. Darine Hotait
2018/USA/25 min./PG 13
2 p.m. Saturday, June 9 @ MICHIGAN THEATER ANN ARBOR
also
1 p.m. Sunday, June 10 @ AANM
This is Home (feature) MICHIGAN PREMIERE
Dir. Alexandra Shiva
2018/Jordan, Syria, USA/91 min./PG 13
For four Syrian families resettling in Baltimore, MD, the clock starts ticking as soon as they arrive. Assistance from the International Rescue Committee assistance ends promptly after eight months, but just four months in, the Trump administration issues the Muslim ban. Suddenly, their lives, and those of all still trapped in Syria, become all the more perilous.
Winner of Audience Award at Sundance Film Festival
“…a timely reminder that humanity knows no borders.”
–Screen Daily
4:30-6 p.m. Saturday, June 9 @ AANM
New Reflections on Arab American Representation in Media (panel discussion)
The Arab American struggle to receive accurate representation in film, television and other media is as old as the mediums themselves. Join talented artists, media creators and filmmakers who have taken matters into their own hands to discuss pressing questions: Whom are we bringing to the table to represent the robust and diverse Arab American community? What are the new, unique challenges facing Arab American media producers today? What successes can inspire us? Panelists include Ali Abbas, Maha Chehlaoui and Darine Hotait. Free and open to the public.
7:15 p.m. Saturday, June 9 @ AANM
Soufra
Dir. Thomas Morgan
2017/Lebanon/73 min./PG
+ Iftar Dinner + talkback
See description 3:45 p.m. Sunday, June 3. This screening includes a post-film iftar dinner and talkback.
SUNDAY, JUNE 10, 2018 @ AANM + MICHIGAN THEATER ANN ARBOR
The Dead Die Once (short) WORLD PREMIERE
Dir. Max McGillivray, Alex Morelli
2018/USA/9 min.
After settling into her new life in America, a Syrian refugee receives a visit from her past. Based on a story by Syrian writer and refugee Jehan Sayed Issa.
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This is Home (feature) MICHIGAN PREMIERE
Dir. Alexandra Shiva
2018/Jordan, Syria, USA/91 min./PG 13
+ panel discussion
See description 2 p.m. Saturday, June 9 @ MICHIGAN THEATER ANN ARBOR. This screening includes a panel discussion.
3:30 p.m. Sunday, June 10 @ AANM
Borders Crossed
Dir. Firas Allouch
2017/Lebanon, USA/7 min./G
Using the awesome power of virtual reality, an elderly Arab American visits his hometown in Lebanon from the comfort of his front porch. The director will introduce his film.
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Where To?/Ila Ayn? NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE
Dir. Georges Nasser
1957/Lebanon/81 min.
The first Lebanese film entered in the Cannes Film Festival and directed by the grandfather of Lebanese film, Where To? tells the story of a poor family living in a village in the Lebanese mountains, barely able to make ends meet. Wanting to make a better life for his family, the father leaves for Brazil, never to be heard from again. The mother raises her two sons to the best of her ability. As the boys grow up and decide which paths in life to take, a mysterious man arrives in the village.
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A Certain Nasser/Un Certain Nasser NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE
Dir. Antoine Waked, Badih Massaad
2017/Lebanon/65 min./PG
An intimate portrait of pioneering Lebanese filmmaker Georges Nasser, the grandfather of Lebanese cinema who directed some of Lebanon’s biggest films before there was a film industry in the country. Nasser discusses his three biggest works in great detail and gives the audience a unique look at the struggles and triumphs of filmmaking in the 1950s and 1960s.
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