HomeCulture & Art 11th Year, Arab Film Festival Turns the Lens on Urban Life, Youth Issues , San Francisco Bay Area
11th Year, Arab Film Festival Turns the Lens on Urban Life, Youth Issues , San Francisco Bay Area
Sunday, 07 October 2007
In its 11th Year, Arab Film Festival Turns the Lens on Urban Life, Youth Issues With more than 20 West Coast and National Premieres - October 18–28 in the San Francisco Bay Area
October 18 – 25, Clay and Castro Theatres, Roxie Film Center and Artist’s Television Access, San Francisco October 24, October 26 to 28, California Theater, Berkeley October 20, October 26 and 27, Camera 12 Downtown, San Jose
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – The 11th Annual Arab Film Festival (AFF) features narrative, documentary and short films that portray life in Arab cities, give voice to youth, and explore complex political and social issues. The festival, with its dedication to the richness, depth, and diversity of filmmaking in the Arab world, presents more than 80 films from and about the Arab world featuring many US premieres. Screenings of films, representing more than 13 countries, take place from October 18–28 in San Francisco, Berkeley, and San Jose.
AFF showcases films by independent filmmakers who provide insightful and innovative perspectives on Arab people, culture, art, history and politics. This year's selection highlights the emerging voices of urban youth in major Arab cities, as well as films, both documentaries and narratives, which tackle the joys and challenges of cross-cultural encounters between Arabs and the world around them.
Come discover the first Lebanese vampire movie, a stylized neo-noir film set in Casablanca, an Iraqi love story, Egypt’s latest break-out indie hit and a Jordanian documentary about finding peace through skateboarding. In addition, see the latest documentaries from Palestine and Iraq; explore stories of urban youth culture in Beirut, Casablanca, Tunis and Cairo.
Started in 1996 as the brainchild of Arab-Americans in San Jose, the festival has evolved over time to expand its reach and programs. “This year’s Festival has the strongest line-up in the Festival’s history,” said Bashir Anastas, Executive Director of the Arab Film Festival. “With interest in the Arab world at an all-time high, we are pleased to provide a unique glimpse into Arab culture, art, and the human experience.”
AFF, one of the most successful and anticipated San Francisco Bay Area film festivals, is the largest exhibitor of exclusively Arab cinema in the United States. Join us for national and West Coast premieres, engaging discussions with visiting filmmakers, family screenings and more.
Making Of Nouri Bouzid's tense feature follows the transformation and indoctrination of Bahta (Lofti Abdelli), from frustrated break-dancer to suicide bomber in contemporary Tunisia. Bouzid's "Making Of" framing story breaks the action and stages a showdown between Abdelli, as the actor playing Bahta, and a director figure (played by Bouzid) as they argue over the implications of the film and its messages. (2006, Tunisia, 35mm, 117 minutes, Color, Arabic/English Subtitles) Screens at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 18, at the Clay Theatre, 2261 Fillmore Street, San Francisco.
Noor Awards – On Thursday, October 25, the Arab Film Festival hosts the first Annual "Noor” (an Arabic word for “light”) Awards Ceremony. Categories for Outstanding Short, Outstanding Feature and Outstanding Documentary films will be announced at an evening event beginning at 7:00 p.m. at the Castro Theatre, 429 Castro Street, San Francisco. After the awards, the U.S. premiere of the night’s centerpiece film, Cut and Paste will occur at 8:00 p.m.(2006, Egypt, 35mm, 105 minutes, Color, Arabic/English Subtitles)
More than Just Entertainment The Arab Film Festival features a variety of additional events, including panel discussions with directors and actors from select movies. “We see the Arab Film festival as more than just entertainment,” said Anastas. “We believe we have an important role to play in building cultural, artistic and human bridges between Arabs, Arab-Americans and the wider Bay Area community.”
Films Include: “Cut and Paste” (Egypt), a U.S. premier. West Coast premieres include “Making Of” (Tunisia), “What a Wonderful World” (Tunisia), “Tender is the Wolf” (Tunisia), “A Perfect Day” (Lebanon), “Falafel” (Lebanon), “The Last Man” (Lebanon) and “VHS Kahloucha” (Tunisia).
Tickets can be purchased in advance at www.aff.org or at the door before show times. Advance purchase is recommended.
Admission VIP Preview Reception (Wed. Oct 17, 6:30 p.m.) Vanguard Properties 2501 Mission Street, San Francisco 94110 $125/person, $200/couple
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Opening Night (Th. Oct 18, 7 p.m.) Clay Theatre 2261 Fillmore St., San Francisco 94115 Making Of (2006, Tunisia) $25 (includes After-Party at Medjool, S.F.)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Noor Awards Ceremony (Th. Oct 25 Reception – 6:15 p.m. Awards Ceremony –7pm) Castro Theatre 429 Castro St., San Francisco, 94114 $25 event + films, $15 film screening only
Film Screening – 8 p.m. Cut and Paste (2006, Egypt, U.S. premier)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- For the full schedule of the 11th Annual Arab Film Festival, visit: www.aff.org.
Culture & Art 
