Arab Films at Palm Springs ShortFest 2021

The largest short film festival in the United States, Palm Springs International ShortFest, is happening this week! The festival is being held from June 22-28 in-person, following COVID-19 safety protocols. They selected fourteen Arab short films for this year’s lineup.

Film still from Al-Sit

Al-Sit by Suzannah Mirghani
Sudan/Qatar – Narrative Short – 20 min
In Competition – Best of the Festival Award, Best Live-Action Short Over 15 Minutes, Young Cineastes Award

In a cotton-farming village in Sudan, 15-year-old Nafisa has a crush on Babiker, but her parents have already arranged her marriage to a young businessman living abroad. Meanwhile, Nafisa’s grandmother Al-Sit, the powerful village matriarch, has her own plans for Nafisa’s future. Caught between two rigid traditions, Nafisa must find a way to forge her own path.

Film still from The Girl Who Burned the Night

The Girls Who Burned the Night by Sara Mesfer
Saudi Arabia – Narrative Short – 24 min
In Competition – Best of the Festival Award, Best Live-Action Short Over 15 Minutes, Best Student International Short

While helping their mother prepare for a party, a denied request brings two young Saudi sisters to their boiling point.

Film still from The Departure

The Departure by Saïd Hamich Benlarbi
France/Morocco – Narrative Short – 25 min
In Competition – Best of the Festival Award, Best Live-Action Short Over 15 Minutes

It’s the summer of 2004 in Morocco, and 11-year-old Adil is upset by the visit of his father and big brother, who will leave for France in just a few days…

Film still from I Am Afraid to Forget Your Face

I Am Afraid to Forget Your Face by Sameh Alaa
Egypt – Narrative Short – 15 min
In Competition – Best of the Festival Award, Young Cineastes Award

After being separated for 82 days, Adam travels down a rough road to be reunited with the one he loves, whatever it takes.

Film still from Ain’t No Time for Women

Ain’t No Time For Women by Sarra El Abed
Canada – Documentary Short – 19 min
In Competition – Best Documentary Short

Tunis, November 2019. A group of women is gathered at the local hairdresser’s on the eve of the presidential election. The salon is transformed into a town square, mirroring the internal turmoil of the country. In this female sanctuary, we get an intimate look at the county’s teenage democracy.

Film still from Nour Shams

Nour Shams by Faiza Ambah
Saudi Arabia/USA/UK – Narrative Short – 26 min
In Competition – Best Live-Action Short Over 15 Minutes

Shams’ only son wants to leave Saudi Arabia to become a rapper. She wants him to have babies and settle down.

Film still from Faraway

Faraway by Aziz Zoromba
Canada – Documentary Short – 18 min
In Competition – Bridging the Borders Award, Best Documentary Short

After being estranged from his family because of his homosexuality, we observe a young Arab man over four seasons as he navigates his solitude–all the while attempting to reconnect with his mother. Faraway is featured on our newly updated Queer Arab Films to Watch list!

Film still from What We Don’t Know About Mariam

What We Don’t Know About Mariam by Morad Mostafa
Egypt – Narrative Short – 25 min
In Competition – Best Live-Action Short Over 15 Minutes

Bleeding and suffering from a severe pain in her abdomen, Mariam goes to the hospital with her family. After the medical examination tensions escalate between Mariam and her husband.

Film still from A Broken House

A Broken House by Jimmy Goldblum
USA/Lebanon – Documentary Short – 21 min
In Competition – Bridging the Borders Award

A Syrian architect and artist stuck in the U.S. on a single-entry visa eases his homesickness by sculpting life-like renditions of the home he left behind.

Film still from Drought

Drought by Remi Itani
Lebanon/UK – Narrative Short – 14 min
In Competition – Best Live-Action Short 15 Minutes and Under

Carine, a real estate agent in Beirut, finds herself in empty apartments waiting for clients to show up. She creates an intimate relationship with these empty homes that echo her loneliness and sexual dissatisfaction. Finally, she decides to go outdoors and look for a physical experience…

Film still from The Promised

The Promised by Ahmed El Ghoneimy
Egypt – Documentary Short – 18 min
In Competition – Best Documentary Short

In and around the historical ruins of Fustat in Old Cairo, tensions simmer between the site’s government-appointed guards and the residents of a nearby settlement.

Film still from Borekas

Borekas by Saleh Saadi
Palestine – Narrative Short – 15 min
In Competition – Best LGBT+ Short

A breakdown on the way to the airport provides a father and son with an opportunity to reconnect. Borekas is featured on our newly updated Queer Arab Films to Watch list!

Film still from Seahorse

Seahorse by Nele Dehnenkamp
Germany – Documentary Short – 16 min
In Competition – Bridging the Borders Award, Best Student Documentary Short

While teaching swim lessons at a local community pool, young Yezidi wrestles quietly with her fearsome memories of crossing the Mediterranean Sea.

Film still from Versailles

Versailles by Hyun Lories
Belgium – Narrative Short – 21 min
In Competition – Best Student International Short

Feeling out of place among her girlfriend’s family, Sanaa returns to her home neighborhood in the hope of reconnecting with her younger sister, Rana. While an old connection tries to reinsert himself into Sanaa’s life, the two sisters plan a trip to the seaside. Versailles is featured on our newly updated Queer Arab Films to Watch list!

Will you attending Palm Springs ShortFest? Which Arab short films are you the most excited to see? Let us know your favorites!