Tuesday, September 27th at 7 pm
BloomScreen presents: DC Palestinian Film and Arts Festival, featuring films by noted Palestinian women directors
About the Films:
Kingdom of Women: Ein el Hilweh (2010, 54 min, documentary) by Dahna Abourahme
Documenting an important chapter in the history of Palestinian refugees in Lebanon, this film tells the story of the women of Ein El Hilweh refugee camp, who organized and provided for themselves and their families after Israel’s 1982 invasion of Lebanon left the camp destroyed and its men imprisoned. Using oral histories about daily life, and evocative animation, the documentary focuses on seven of these women and how they contribute to their community’s survival.
From Palestine with Love (2010, 25 min, documentary) by Mahasen Nasser-Eldin
Maya is 22 years old, is a dancer, lives in the occupied Palestinian territories and is planning a life with her Swedish boyfriend in Stockholm, where she wants to study at the university. But the road from dream to reality is filled with obstacles for the couple – in the shape of the expectations of her family and the Swedish bureaucracy. Nonetheless, there is no finger-pointing in this subtly romantic film, which succeeds with the courageous belief that things will work out if one’s heart is in the right place.
Samia (2009, 14 min, documentary) by Mahasen Nasser-Eldin
Samia, 71, is still feisty, active and committed. She takes us on a journey in Jerusalem and Jericho as she travels the path of a life marked by her struggle for the right of girls to education and the right of Palestinians to live in Jerusalem. Samia has lived wars, Intifadas and times of unrest and has negotiated power with members of her society and with the Israeli occupation. Yet, she has a place in her heart for the tender memories of love.
After the screening, we’ll have a discussion of the key points of each film. We’ll be joined by Huda Asfour, who is a Palestinian, born in Lebanon and raised in Tunisia and Gaza. Huda is currently a doctoral student at the George Washington University School of Engineering and Applied Sciences in Washington, D.C.
The US Palestinian Community Network of DC will be launching its inaugural DC Palestinian Film and Arts Festival throughout the DC Metropolitan Area during the week of September 26-30, 2011. For more information, see their website: http://dcpff.tumblr.com/.
RSVP on Facebook & Invite Your Friends!
*Suggested Donation: $10 to support BloomBars. Free Popcorn and refreshments provided.
BloomScreen Indie Film Night – is a weekly series of independent and foreign films, accompanied by discussions with filmmakers and other experts. Our goal is to provide a unique experience that a local Cineplex cannot – an opportunity for discussion that allows a better understanding of issues affecting our communities and our world.
Volunteers wanted! Have a suggestion for a film? Know a local filmmaker who wants to screen their work? Want to lend a hand? Email jonathan@bloombars.com with your ideas.
