Third Annual Middle East Film Festival

Directed by Lina Soualem, Algeria, Qatar, Switzerland, France, 2020, 1h 12m, documentary, French, Arabic

After 62 years of marriage, the French-Algerian couple Aïcha and Mabrouk decide to separate. Their granddaughter, Lina, is baffled by the separation, and goes in search of answers. This intimate family story sheds a personal light on the impact of French colonization and the consequences of immigration and displacement.

Q&A with Isabelle Choquet, Denison University

Directed by Maysoon Pachachi, Iraq, France, Kuwait, United Kingdom, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Germany, 2021, 1h 57m, drama, Arabic

The film tells the stories of ordinary Iraqis trying to live their everyday lives in Baghdad. Sara, a single mother and novelist, shocked into silence by the surrounding violence, has been unable to write one word of fiction. Shortly before the new year, Sara and her neighbors face the dilemma of whether to leave or stay in Iraq. 

Q&A with director Maysoon Pachachi

Directed by Mounia Akl, Lebanon, France, Spain, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Qatar, 2022, 1h 46m, drama, Arabic

The free-spirited Badri family escapes the toxic pollution and social unrest of Beirut by seeking refuge in a utopic mountain home they’ve devoted years to building for themselves. Without warning, the government begins construction of a garbage landfill right outside their fence, bringing the politics of a whole country to their doorstep. 

Q&A with Dr. Lara Deeb, Scripps College

Directed by Michal Weits, Israel, Canada, Belgium, 2021, 1h 20m, documentary, Hebrew and English

The Jewish National Fund’s (JNF) beloved Blue Box campaign was internationally successful in raising support for the purchase and forestation of land in Palestine. Joseph Weits, filmmaker Michal Weits’ great-grandfather, was a key figure in the organization. His private diaries reveal the story of the massive land takeover that led to the displacement of Palestinians and the creation of Israel. 

Q&A with director Michal Weits