#AFF2018: Palestine Days

By Farrah Berrou

Four films from Palestine round up the launch of Palestine Days, a series dedicated to films that reflect the creativity, culture, traditions, social issues, and humor of the Palestinian people. Through these works, American and Arab audiences will get a glimpse of Palestinian life and values, two things that are often misrepresented through today’s mass media.

The program includes stories that intertwine strength and struggle, the trademark of the Palestinian condition as most live under apartheid but remain determined and resilient despite the harsh realities that they face each day.

Naila And The Uprising

Directed by Julia Bacha | Palestine, USA | Documentary | 76 min | 2017

Told through the personal story of a pioneering female leader during the First Intifada, this documentary shines a light on how the women of Palestine joined forces, with each other and the women of Israel, to fight against the occupation.

Showings:
October 16th, 8:15 PM at The Roxie Theater
October 20th, 1:00 PM at The New Parkway Theater

From Under The Rubble: A Story From Gaza

Directed by Anne Tsoulis | Palestine, Australia | Documentary| 68 min | 2018

International Premiere

The documentary focuses on the aftermath of one of the most catastrophic incidents that took place amidst the Israel Defense Force’s invasion of the West Bank in 2009, as told by the children who survived it.

Showings:
October 14th, 3:00 PM at The Roxie Theater
October 20th, 5:20 PM at The New Parkway Theater

Director Anne Tsoulis will be present for a post-screening Q&A! Dr. Mads will be present for the Oakland screening. The screening is co-sponsored by Screen Australia.

The Reports On Sarah And Saleem

Directed by Muayad Alayan | Palestine | Narrative | 127 min | 2018

2018 Seattle International Film Festival’s Grand Jury Prize Winner

A story of love and betrayal between an Israeli woman and Palestinian man. As they’re caught in a web of socio-political dissonance and lies, they keep finding themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Showing:
October 13th, 7:00 PM at The Roxie Theater

Director Muyad Alayan and writer Rami Alayan will be present for a post-screening Q&A!

Ghost Hunting
Directed by Raed Andoni | Palestine, Switzerland, Qatar | Docu-Narrative| 94 min | 2018

Palestine’s Entry to the 91st Academy Awards

Palestinian director, Raed Andoni, takes his own story of being locked up at age 18 in Israel’s main interrogation center, Al-Moskobiya, and recreates it visually with the help of other former prisoners. Via reconstruction through memories and experiences, the prison takes shape and the tale of what went on between cell walls begins to unravel.

Showing:
October 19th, 7:20 PM at The New Parkway Theater