MEDIA RELEASE
The 5th Arab Film Festival opens on Thursday July 2, 2009 at the Riverside Theatres, Parramatta with the first Jordanian feature film to be screened in Australia, Captain Abu Raeed.
Captain Abu Raeed , winner of the Audience Award at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival, is a touching drama that delves into the lives of everyday people when a lonely janitor working at Amman Airport is mistaken for a pilot.
The 2009 Arab Film Festival program offers cinema audiences a remarkable contrast of perspectives. Big picture conflicts, touching stories from the heart of people under occupation, of children lost, of lovers smitten, of lives made and destroyed. This unique film festival will screen a collection of the latest features, short films and documentaries that sparkle with the rich and beautiful complexity of Arab cultural, social and political life.
We will host a number of international and local filmmakers and guest speakers including Lebanese filmmaker Samir Habchi who directed ‘Beirut Open City’, feature action-drama set at the height of the Syrian presence in Lebanon - and an insight into Beirut’s Underbelly.
“This year we bring together a great mix of films highlighting the talent of Arab filmmakers from around the world. The Arab community is massive and diverse, both in Australia and overseas, and so are the stories and the Arab people’s experiences.” Mouna Zaylah, Festival Co-Director.
“More Arab films are being produced and arriving on our door step, so we are delving deeper and further into the richness of the Arab world. We bring to you Jordanian and Kuwaiti films this year, and more from Iraq including a documentary, a comedy and a futuristic look at Iraq in the year 2020. They are sure to move you”.Fadia Abboud, Festival Co-Director.
“As the national airline of the UAE, Etihad Airways is committed to strengthening cultural ties between Australia and the Arab world. Through our principal sponsorship of the Arab Film Festival Australia, Etihad recognizes the festival’s valuable contribution in fostering cross-cultural awareness and understanding, both within Australia and beyond.” Lindsay White, Etihad Airways’ General Manager Australia & New Zealand, Principal Sponsor of the Festival
TICKET PRICES
Opening Night Film and Party $30
Session Tickets $18 / $12
VENUE: Riverside Theatres, Corner Church and Market Streets, Parramatta 2150
MEDIA CONTACT: Janine Collins on janinecollinsau@yahoo.com.au
"I will be attending the Thursday Opening Night Session, 8pm! Woot! Woot!"
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