Events

The Arab Films Featured at Cannes Film Festival 2019

Published

1 year ago

May 15, 2019

Yara K

The Cannes Film Festival returned yesterday with a number of anticipated premieres; bringing the best of Hollywood and European film industry to the red carpet

The prestigious festival kicked off in the South of France, the eleven-day event shows appreciation for the global cinema, and we have a lot to look forward, because a number of Arab film are to featured during the exceptional film festival.

Among the biggest draws at this year’s festival is Quentin Tarantino’s latest film, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, starring Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio and Margot Robbie in a Charles Manson-era comedy drama. Dexter Fletcher’s Elton John biopic Rocketman is also creating a buzz, as Bong Joon-ho’s return with Parasite. Ken Loach is also making a welcome comeback at the festival with his latest film, Sorry We Missed You.

Now back to the Arab Films that are giving us utter pride, here are the ones to keep an eye out for!

1-It Must Be Heaven

The only Arab film in the main Competition at @Festival_Cannes: IT MUST BE HEAVEN by Palestinian director Elia Suleiman. Suleiman won the Jury Prize at Cannes 2002 for DIVINE INTERVENTION, and the hype for his latest is off the charts. Stay tuned! #ITMUSTBEHEAVEN @SuleimanElia pic.twitter.com/grsn3cMs9V

— Arab Film and Media Institute (@arabfilmmedia) May 5, 2019

Directed by the Palestinian Elia Suleiman, the movie follows the story of a traveler who journeys from his home land Palestine, all the way to the west. Feeling homesick, he seeks cities like Paris and NYC for a familiar sense of home. But he recognizes that none would make up for the land he left behind.

It is a story that questions one’s identity and sense of belonging, when trying to escape his origins.

2- Papicha

The drama film tells the story of a young student with a passion for fashion, while Algeria faces the hardship of Civil War-era. Nedjma the university student, decides to stage a fashion show, amidst these hardships to uplift the spirit of her fellow students.

Algerian filmmaker Mounia Meddour has directed five documentaries in the past, and her 2011 debut short film Edwige was selected for the Dubai International Film Festival, the Gulf Film Festival and Cannes Film Festival. Papicha is her first full-length feature film.

3- Adam

ADAM, the latest film by #Moroccan director Maryam Touzani will screen in the "Un Certain Regard" Competition at #Cannes2019. Stay tuned for more, but for now, read the synopsis here: https://t.co/r6vfSk1lWP #SupportArabCinema #Cannes #Cannes72 #arab pic.twitter.com/LgmnA50IJr

— Arab Film and Media Institute (@arabfilmmedia) May 10, 2019

The movie tells the story of two women who encounter each other in the Casablanca. Samia, a pregnant young woman, and Abla, a widow who struggles to fulfill the needs of her eight-year-old-daughter. Samia seeks refuge at Abla’s house, before her birth delivery date, and together they experience a sort of rebirth and rediscover a zest for life.

4- The Unknown Saint

View this post on Instagram

FEATURE FILM IN COMPETITION THE UNKNOWN SAINT by Alaa Eddine Aljem “With a light, witty touch, we can tackle any topic, regardless of how sensitive or taboo it may be, and not be provocative.” – Alaa Eddine Aljem __ LONG MÉTRAGE EN COMPÉTITION THE UNKNOWN SAINT (Le Miracle du Saint Inconnu) de Alaa Eddine Aljem « Avec une touche d'humour, on peut aborder tous les sujets, même les plus sensibles et tabous, sans être dans la provocation. » – Alaa Eddine Aljem #SDLC2019 I @condordistribution , @thematchfactory #cannes2019 #competition #featurefilm #alaaeddinealjem

A post shared by Semaine de la Critique (@semaine_de_la_critique) on May 4, 2019 at 2:47am PDT

Moroccan director Alaa Eddine Aljem’s comedy follows a young thief, who buries his stolen money, while escaping the police. After a decade, when the thief is released from prison, he goes back to look for his money but what he finds next was something he didn’t expect. A construction has taken place atop where he buried his money.

5- Tu Mérites un Amour

View this post on Instagram

FEATURE FILM SPECIAL SCREENING YOU DESERVE A LOVER (TU MÉRITES UN AMOUR) by Hafsia Herzi “From the first minutes of the shoot, I knew this film had its lucky star, I had no doubt.” – Hafsia Herzi __ SÉANCE SPÉCIALE LONG MÉTRAGE TU MÉRITES UN AMOUR de Hafsia Herzi « Dès les premières minutes du tournage, je savais que ce film était né sous une bonne étoile, je n’avais plus de doutes. » – Hafsia Herzi #SDLC2019 I @rezo_films #hafsiaherzi #featurefilm #specialscreening #cannes2019

A post shared by Semaine de la Critique (@semaine_de_la_critique) on May 8, 2019 at 5:08am PDT

Tunisian–Algerian actress Hafsia Herzi makes her first foray into directing with Tu Mérites un Amour. The film follows the break-up of a young couple, Lila and Remi. Exploring the effects that the breakup left on both of them, when they parted ways.

Best of luck to them all!

Up Next

Ramadan Festivals, Exhibitions and More…

Don't Miss

Third Edition of ‘Misk Historic Jeddah’ Returns This Ramadan

Yara K

Click to comment

Events

Arab Woman Awards 2020 Will Shed the Light on Women’s Achievements Towards the Pandemic

Published

2 weeks ago

October 7, 2020

Yara K

The Arab Woman Awards UAE 2020 is an event dedicated to empowering women. It’s a celebration for their great achievements and significant efforts and this year, it will shed the light on the contributions done by women in response to the pandemic.

The awards ceremony has partnered with UN Women, the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women.

The awards ceremony was first launched back in 2009 by ITP Media Group, it’s a chance to highlight the achievements of Arab women and give them the chance to shine.

This year’s edition will focus on women’s contributions towards the pandemic and how they raised awareness about the virus. The list of winners will be announced on October 15 at a virtual awards ceremony screened for the first time at the World of Fashion 2020.

“For us this was a natural partnership as the common theme between our organizations at this moment in time is completely aligned – to actively support women during this difficult period,” says Sue Holt, on behalf of ITP Media Group. “This objective will be achieved by using the awards to shine a spotlight on the efforts by the region’s women through this and ITP’s other wide-reaching media platforms.”

“This year’s edition of the Arab Woman Awards showcases the invaluable contributions of fearless champions who impactfully have proven that women must be at the front and center of the Coronavirus response and recovery efforts,” UN Women Regional Director for the Arab States Dr. Moez Doraid says.

The Arab Woman Awards will take place on Thursday, October 15.

Events

The Concerts to Catch in Celebration of The National Day

Published

4 weeks ago

September 23, 2020

Yara K

In celebration of Saudi National Day, a five-day program will see concerts taking place in the cities of Dammam, Riyadh and Jeddah. The program already kicked off on the 22nd and will last to the 26nd with a huge finale for a big star!

Here are the concerts for Arab superstars who will get to celebrate with us the 90th National Day of the Kingdom.

On September 23rd, Saudi singers Abadi Al-Johar and Dalia Mubarak will perform at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah. Meanwhile Iraqi star Majid Al-Mohandes will regale an audience at King Fahad Cultural Center in Riyadh in a night titled “Home”.

Egyptian stars Angham and Tamer Ashour will perform in Jeddah on Septemver 24th.

On September 25th, the audience will catch the performance of Rabih Saqr at King Fahad Cultural Center in Riyadh and Mohammad Hamaki at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah.

As for the big finale, Egyptian pop star Amr Diab will end the celebrations with an epic performance on the last day of concerts on Septemver 26th.

All concerts and events are organized by the General Entertainment Authority, in respect to all the precautionary measures to ensure safety and limit the spread of the virus.

To book your tickets, click on this link.

Events

Express How You Feel About the Pandemic in Ithra’s International Covid-19 Exhibition

Published

4 months ago

July 1, 2020

Yara K

The King Abdul Aziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) has launched a new exciting international Covid-19 exhibition that features a collective introspection on the pandemic.

The exceptional exhibition expresses different perspectives on the pandemic through a collection of thoughts, memories and feeling. In a way, really opening the stage to people’s various experiences.

For the actual show which will go live in July, Ithra is looking for brand-new artworks, images, or documentation that symbolizes the pandemic.

Ithra is currently inviting submissions for the gallery will go live to the public in July. If you believe you have something to share, don’t hesitate to apply at this link.

“Join a global exhibit and share with us those personal objects and the stories behind them in Ithra’s upcoming COVID-19 Exhibit. It could be a photograph that put a daily smile on you, a musical instrument that became your getaway, perhaps the pen you used to write your journal, or even a mug, item of clothing or a toy. If you have a particular object that you turned to for comfort, inspiration, or even in frustration during the COVID-19 pandemic we want to hear from you.” The website wrote calling out for artists.

“While this is an unprecedented time, it is also an unprecedented moment of global solidarity,” said Laila Faddagh, Ithra’s head of museums. “Art is about connecting people through culture — and culture is based on the exchange of ideas and identities — but we connect maybe even more easily through common objects.”

“Ithra is in Saudi Arabia, but, as a leading center for global culture, we want to include people from around the world. In the spirit of welcome, warmth and empathy — especially now during the pandemic — it is an opportunity to connect with everyone, from anywhere.” He added.

Share with us your thoughts on the exhibition and if you’re planning on taking part of such a magnificent movement.