Arab Film Festival 2014
The Arab Film Festival returns to Sydney, showcasing a selection of the best films from a region which is under constant social and political instability.
The festival boasts 11 quality dramas, short films and documentaries from Jordan, Egypt, Lebanon, Iraq, Palestine and co-productions with the US.
The complexities of life in these countries are fully explored, showcasing the empowerment of religion and the oppression of women in an excessively male-dominant society.
Audiences should be captivated by the cultural themes and the excellent production values of these highly praised and stirring films.
When I Saw You is the award-winning film which opens the festival and is followed by an after-party. Set in Jordan 1967, thousands of refugees are traversing the border from Palestine and the story follows the plight of a family settling into refugee camps.
Ten Years Of My Life is a disturbing documentary in which seven Iraqi women discuss the abuse, deportation and kidnappings under Saddam’s regime and the new beginnings after 2003.
Factory Girl tells of a lower class girl who falls in love with the factory supervisor. The film examines whether romance can flourish in different social classes. (MM)
Aug 14-17, Riverside Theatre, Church & Market St, Parramatta, $20-85 (marathon package), arabfilmfestival.com.au
