Join us for inspiring films from and about the Arab world.
Enjoy an evening that sometimes includes an optional light dinner (available for purchase; reservations appreciated), followed by a film screening and discussion. Films are shown in Arabic, French, or both, with English subtitles.
Most screenings are free, though donations or an admission fee may occasionally be requested to help cover costs.
Friday, August 14: The United
7:30 – MOVIE (free)
7 PM – Dinner (optional, $15)
Menu: Kufta w/potatoes in tahini sauce, white rice, green salad, dessert
Jordan/USA (2012), Action/Drama/Comedy, 1h 36m
A legendary Egyptian football coach is brought back from retirement by his former star player to train a team of pan-Arab misfits in Jordan to compete against France in order to secure funding for their football academy.
— IMBD
Friday, August 28: The Guest
7:30 – MOVIE (free)
7 PM – Dinner (optional, $15)
Menu: Beef kabab w/cherries, freekeh, green salad, dessert
Syria/Turkey (2017), Drama, 1h 29m
Friday, September 11: Meem Empire
7:30 – MOVIE (free)
7 PM – Dinner (optional, $15)
Menu: Fool mudammas (Egyptian fava beans), tammiyyah (Egyptian falafel), tomato & cucumber salad, dessert
Egypt (2017), Drama, 1h 29m
Meem Empire is a landmark 1972 Egyptian drama film that serves as the original cinematic adaptation of Ihsan Abdel Quddous’s story.
Friday, September 25: The Apollo of Gaza
7:30 – MOVIE (free)
7 PM – Dinner (optional, $15)
Menu: Rummaniyyeh (seasonal vegetarian stew that gets its rich, tart flavor from fresh pomegranate juice, combined with lentils, eggplant, and tahini), salad, dessert
Canada, Switzerland, Palestine (2018), Documentary, 1h 19m
In 2013, an ancient statue of Apollo was found in the waters off Gaza—before disappearing under mysterious circumstances. Is it the work of forgers, or a gift from the gods to a Palestinian people desperately in need of hope? Soon the rumours start to swirl, while behind the scenes local and international players start jostling—some driven by historical preservation and others by purely commercial interests. Filmed in Gaza and Jerusalem, The Apollo of Gaza plays out like a mystery built around a national treasure that is the stuff of dreams. The Apollo of Gaza is an engaging reflection on the passage of time and the fragility of civilizations, as well as a poetic and philosophical meditation that immerses us in the often-misunderstood realities of life in a place that continues to pay a heavy price for the seemingly endless Israeli-Palestinian conflict—a place where life doggedly carries on, resisting. Like a meteor streaking across the sky, the statue of Apollo brings a moment of light and beauty to Gaza. Can it help restore dignity to a people, revealing a glorious history and fostering pride in a nation often misrepresented and demeaned?
Friday, October 9: The Prophet
7:30 – MOVIE (free)
7 PM – Dinner (optional, $15)
Menu: Mezzeh (a generous, vibrant spread of small, shareable hot and cold dishes served before or in place of a main meal): Tabbouleh, Spicy Potatoes, Babaganouj, Spinach & Cheese Pies, Dessert
Qatar, France, Lebanon, Canada, USA (2014), Animation/Drama, 1h 25m
The Prophet, by celebrated Lebanese-American author Kahlil Gibran, is among the most popular volumes of poetry ever written, selling over 100 million copies in forty languages since its publication in 1923. Gibran’s timeless verses have been given enchanting new form in this painterly cinematic adventure about freedom and the power of human expression.
This breathtaking animated feature, produced and spearheaded by Salma Hayek, was an official selection at Cannes and made its North American premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. Written and directed by Roger Allers (The Lion King), the film intersperses Gibran’s elegant poetry within stunning animated sequences by filmmakers Tomm Moore (The Secret of Kells, Song of the Sea), Bill Plympton (Guide Dog), Joan Gratz (Mona Lisa Descending a Staircase), Nina Paley (Sita Sings the Blues), and a host of award-winning animators from around the world. Set in a Mediterranean seaside village, Kamila (Salma Hayek) cleans house for exiled artist and poet Mustafa (Liam Neeson), but the more difficult job is keeping her free-spirited young daughter, Almitra (Quvenzhané Wallis), out of trouble.
The three embark on a journey meant to end with Mustafa’s return home – but first they must evade the authorities who fear that the truth in his words will incite rebellion. Featuring music from Damien Rice, Glen Hansard, Gabriel Yared, and Yo-Yo Ma.
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