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.

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.

In Syria

Philippe Van Leeuw / Belgium, France, Lebanon, Syria / 2017 / 85 mins

A mother attempts to keep her family safe as war rages and a sniper lies in wait outside her home.

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.

Nut$

Henri Bargès / Lebanon / 2016 / 107 mins

Housewife poker player extraordinaire Lana gets caught up in Beirut's underground gambling scene where gangsters, pimps, and psychopaths commingle. As she delves deeper into the elite, criminal underbelly of the high roller lifestyle, what will become of her once idyllic family life?

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.