TRAILERA gripping Lebanese drama that tells the story of Zain, a 12-year-old boy living in the slums of Beirut. After running away from his negligent parents, he sues them for the "crime" of giving him life. The film navigates through his journey, exposing the harsh realities of poverty, survival, and the quest for justice amidst chaos, ultimately delivering a powerful and moving narrative about resilience and hope.
MAY 12
TRAILERA stark, gritty French film portraying 24 hours in the lives of three young men in the aftermath of a riot in the suburbs of Paris. It delves into themes of friendship, inequality, and violence, capturing the simmering tension between the youth and police, climaxing in a haunting finale.
MAY 19
SEEHuda is a firm believer in transcending boundaries, evident in her roles as a musician and educator. Her musical journey began early in conservatories in Tunisia and Palestine, culminating in collaborations worldwide. With two studio albums, "Mars... Back and Forth" (2011) and "Kouni" (2018), to her credit. Currently, she's delving into the art of improvisation, with a keen focus on the intricate nuances of Arabic musical aesthetics and its interplay with language. In addition to her musical pursuits, Huda is a co-founder of several initiatives such as the DC Palestinian Film and Arts Festival, and the Cairo and Brooklyn improv orchestras. Explore her work at hudaasfour.com.
MAY 26
TRAILERA slice-of-life narrative set in the Gaza Strip. It centers around Haifa and his daily life amidst the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The movie explores themes of survival, the longing for normalcy, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of ongoing turmoil. Through its characters' experiences, the film presents a poignant commentary on the absurdity of life under occupation, highlighting the personal and collective struggles of Palestinians.& WARSHADania Bdier, 2022
JUNE 2
TRAILER"The Kite" explores themes of love, freedom, and tradition against the backdrop of the Israeli-Lebanese border. The story follows Lamia, a sixteen-year-old girl who is arranged to marry her cousin across the border, a place she cannot physically visit due to the political divide. With the use of a kite as a symbolic element of connection and hope, the film beautifully navigates Lamia's inner conflict and desire for love, while also confronting the rigid boundaries imposed by both family and political circumstances. Chahal's work delicately balances the personal and political, offering a poignant look at the human side of geopolitical conflicts.
JUNE 9
630PM
The film tells the story of a French photographer (played by Hippolyte Girardot), who is kidnapped in Beirut, Lebanon, and attempts to maintain his personal dignity in the face of torture and brainwashing.
JUNE 23
630PM
630PM
"Al Lail" (The Night) by Mohamed Malas is a profound exploration of the Syrian city of Quneitra's experiences before and after the Israeli occupation in 1967. Through a personal lens, the film navigates the collective memory, loss, and longing of its people, blending historical events with the emotional landscape of displacement.
JUNE 30
630PM
TRAILERA pioneering work by Michel Khleifi, blending documentary and fictional elements to explore the lives of two Palestinian women living under Israeli occupation. The film juxtaposes the experiences of Farah Hatoum, a widow and novelist grappling with her identity and resistance through her writing, and Sahar Khalifeh, a mother and factory worker facing the daily struggles of survival and defiance. Through their stories, "Fertile Memory" delves into themes of memory, resistance, and the resilience of Palestinian women amidst the backdrop of political and social turmoil. Khleifi's nuanced portrayal offers a rare insight into the personal and political landscapes of Palestinian existence, highlighting the enduring strength and complexity of its women.
JULY 7
630PM
TRAILERDarkly comedic and surreal, “Feathers” is a film by Egyptian director Omar El Zohairy that tells the story of a simple family whose life turns upside down when the father, the sole breadwinner, is magically transformed into a chicken during a magic show. The mother, previously dependent and passive, is thrust into the role of the family's provider and protector. As she navigates the absurdity of her new reality, the film explores themes of power, responsibility, and transformation within the family unit and society. El Zohairy uses this bizarre premise to craft a poignant critique of societal norms, economic hardship, and the resilience required to overcome unexpected challenges. "Feathers" stands out for its unique storytelling approach, blending the mundane with the fantastical to highlight the struggles of the disenfranchised.
JULY 14
630PM
TRAILERThe film juxtaposes footage of Palestinian revolutionaries with scenes from French daily life, challenging viewers to consider the differences and similarities between "here" (France) and "elsewhere" (the Middle East). Through its innovative structure, "Here & Elsewhere" critiques media consumption and the construction of political narratives, questioning how reality is mediated and understood across cultural and geographical divides. Godard's work is a meditative reflection on the power of images and the responsibilities of those who create and view them.
&THEY DO NOT EXISTMustafa Abu Ali, 1974
JULY 21
630PM
MUSIC VIDEOMaii Waleed's musical style is hard to miss in modern-day music. A multidisciplinary artist, Maii thrives through her songwriting that is fluid and free from constructs. Using different instruments, Maii's expression finds its way in unique, authentic yet simple forms of music and lyrics.
JULY 28
630PM
TRAILERTaking place in contemporary Beirut, an argument between a Lebanese Christian, Tony, and a Palestinian refugee, Yasser, escalates from a personal disagreement into a public court case, reflecting the deep-seated sectarian tensions within Lebanese society. The initially trivial conflict over a drainage pipe becomes a national controversy, exposing historical wounds and challenging the characters and society to confront their prejudices and past traumas. Through its gripping courtroom drama, the film navigates themes of dignity, justice, and reconciliation, offering a microcosm of the broader regional conflicts and suggesting the possibility of understanding and healing.
AUGUST 4
630PM
TRAILERA satirical portrayal of life in war-torn Lebanon, focusing on residents of a Beirut apartment building. Through humor and tragedy, it explores themes of love, betrayal, and the quest for normalcy amidst chaos, offering a poignant critique of a society fractured by conflict.
AUGUST 11
630PM
One of the leading Arab violinists in the U.S., Sami Abu Shumays is internationally known as a master of the maqam system. Co-founder and director of the NYC-based Arabic music and dance ensemble Zikrayat, Sami released his first solo album Circles in 2023.
AUGUST 18
630PM
TRAILERSouad's struggles with the pressures of social media, family expectations, and her own personal desires, against the backdrop of a conservative society. After a tragic event, the story shifts to follow her younger sister, who embarks on a journey of self-discovery and understanding. Amin's film is a sensitive portrayal of youth, identity, and the clash between traditional values and modern life, offering an intimate glimpse into the complex inner world of its characters.
AUGUST 25
630PM
TRAILERExploring the absurdities of daily life in Nazareth from 1948 onwards, "A Time That Remains" combines personal narratives and historical events. Through a series of vignettes, this semi-autobiographical film reflects on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict's impact on ordinary lives, blending humor and melancholy with Elia Suleiman's distinctive quiet observational style.
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