ARABIC FILM FESTIVAL 2016
The 13th Arabic Film Festival comes to Sydney showcasing dramas, comedies, documentaries and shorts from Lebanon, Iraq, Egypt, Palestine, Syria, Saudi Arabia and Australia.
“The popularity of this film festival is increasing each year, but there’s always somebody who hasn’t heard of it, even in our community, and when they finally attend they react like they’ve discovered gold or something,” explained co-director Fadia Abboud.
“Not many foreign films get a look in independent cinema release, so these film festivals are great exposure for filmmakers from all over the world to exhibit their films. The production values of Arabic films are increasing as the industry is getting stronger and these films are produced with small grants from film festivals and in co-productions with European countries,” continued Abboud.
No social or religious custom surprisingly prohibits or restricts any subjects in Arabic films – including sex. “There’s not much nudity in these films, but that’s only because these filmmakers believe that they don’t necessarily have to show what is spoken about.”
Halal Love is the delightful opening night film which entwines three stories of dedicated Lebanese Muslims who attempt to further their love lives without interfering with the all-important rules of marriage.
“This romantic comedy is the highlight of the festival – I’ve never seen a story of Muslims told in such a way,” enthused Abboud.
For audiences who enjoy heartfelt love stories, El Clasico won’t disappoint. This affecting story of a dwarf’s undying love for his girlfriend and the adventure he partakes for acceptance and for his girlfriend’s hand in marriage is a must-see. “This is a great film – a beautifully filmed love story”.
“Filmmakers will continue to transform Arabic stories into entertaining films for audiences worldwide to enjoy. Audiences are exposed to more pictures than they’ve seen before – stories pinned by tragedy, but filmmakers will go underneath and produce ‘unexpected films’. Arabic filmmakers are brave and energetic and with financial support will continue to tell their unique stories,” concluded Abboud. (MMo)
July 21–24. Riverside Theatres, cnr Church & Market Streets, Parramatta. $20-$85 (marathon package ex. opening night). Bookings & info: arabfilmfestival.com.au
