Refugee Stories: Migration, Displacement, Hope

83 mins

Far from a one-size-fits-all marking of "experience" so often depicted on Western media outlets when it comes to the plight of the refugee, this program of 5 powerful short documentaries spotlight the multitude of hues that should be considered when discussions of the refugee experience are had. From the Yarmouk and Ain El-Hilweh camps, to the streets of Berlin: Refugee Stories shows what it takes to hold onto one's dreams amidst devastating circumstances.

Solitaire

Sophie Boutros / Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon / 2016 / 92 mins

20 years past the Lebanese-Syrian war and Therese is still embittered towards everything "Syria" due to her beloved brother’s death by a Syrian bomb. Today, she joyfully prepares for a visit of her daughter's suitor and his parents; however, when the long-awaited guests arrive, and to Therese's dismay: it's discovered... they are Syrian!

Gaza Surf Club

Philip Gnadt, Mickey Yamine / Germany, Palestine, USA / 2016 / 87 mins

A deep dive "on ground zero" spotlight on Gaza's surf community, which has experienced, survived, and overcome a multitude of obstacles synonymous with the pains of occupation.

Withered Green

Mohammed Hammad / Egypt / 2016 / 73 mins

Still reeling from the death of her parents, Iman is tasked with coordinating traditional marriage proposal procedures on behalf of her younger sister, Noha. With no male relative available to facilitate the proposal (in accordance with local customs), Iman is forced to make a difficult, unconventional decision.

The Nile Hilton Incident

Tarik Saleh / Denmark, Egypt, Germany, Sweden / 2016 / 110 mins

Cairo 2011, just weeks before the revolution. Police detective Noredin, working in the infamous Kasr el-Nil Police Station, is handed the case of a murdered singer. He soon realizes that the investigation concerns elite players, close to the President’s inner circle.

Saudi Showcase

These films represent the best of Saudi filmmaking, reflecting the creativity, culture, and humor of the Saudi people, and most notably: its filmmaker's penchant for crafting boundary-pushing work. AFF is looking forward to bringing these films to American audiences who are intrigued yet often misinformed by the media about Saudi life and values. These filmmakers represent the future of Saudi film and offer a look at its independent film scene American audiences would otherwise not be privy to.