ARAB FILM FESTIVAL

With Sex and the City 2 currently turning the treasures of the Arab world into a bargain basement of cheap puns, sexual innuendoes, chintzy caftans and more stereotypes than you can point a stiletto at, it’s comforting to know that the Arab Film Festival is here to cleanse your cinematic palate. Opening with the slick and modern City of Life (United Arab Emirates), other standouts include the Australian short Rima, which follows a fresh-faced Muslim woman with a passion for fast cars, and a clever reimagining of the Arabian Nights fable in Scheherazade, Tell Me a Story (Egypt). Best of all is the chance to have your home videos (not the embarrassing, so-called funny slapstick variety) screened in the Home Made Arab Films, Lost, But Waiting to Be Found session. Expect grainy shots of by-gone styles and stories from the 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s, screened alongside local musician Mohamed Youssef on the oud. If you’d like to contribute a reel, email info@arabfilmfestival.com.au for more information. Oh, and you might want to leave your caftan and SATC clutch at home.

Jul 1-4, Riverside Theatres, cnr Church & Market Sts, Parramatta, $12-99 (full package), 8839 3399, arabfilmfestival.com.au