Middle East Film Festival

Ismaël Ferroukhi, France, 2004

at Eager Auditorum, Sullivan Bldg, Worcester State

“It's a tribute to my parents and the 97 percent of Muslims that we never hear about in the Western world," says director Ferroukhi about this film which depicts the road trip of French-Morroccan Reda and his devout Muslim father to Mecca. The father convinces his reluctant teenage son to drive them from their home in France to Saudia Arabia on his once-in-a-lifetime religious pilgrimage, the hajj. The film has won awards and been featured in film festivals from Milwaukee to Venice to Marrakesh and Jerusalem.

Sufyan and Abdallah Omeish, USA, 2006

at Eager Auditorum, Sullivan Bldg, Worcester State

A powerful documentary film on the current and historical root causes of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. “Occupation 101” presents an analysis of the facts and underreported details surrounding this high-stakes conflict. Winner of multiple best film awards, the film features voices rarely heard in the American mainstream press, including Middle East historians, Israeli peace activists, journalists, and humanitarian workers.

Jafar Panahi, Iran, 2006

at Ghosh Center, Worcester State College

Inspired by the day when his own daughter was refused entry to a soccer stadium in Iran, Jafar Panahi’s “Offside” follows a day in the life of a group of Iranian girls attempting to watch their team's World Cup qualifying match against Bahrain at the stadium in Tehran. A disparate group of girls, united only by their desire to see their beloved team play, disguise themselves, risking arrest to try to get into the game. Winner of the Silver Bear Award, Berlin International Film Festival, 2006.

Philippe Aractingi, Lebanon, 2006

at Razzo Hall, Traina Center for Arts, Clark University, 92 Downing St.

A blockbuster in Lebanon, "Bosta" (Bus in Arabic), recounts the story of seven former school friends who reunite to tour Lebanon and dance dabke, the traditional Lebanese dance, to traditional music mixed with a new techno beat. "Bosta" is a 100% Lebanese film, written, directed, filmed and fully financed by Lebanese investors. Join us for the film that has pleased audiences worldwide in its joyful portrayal of Lebanese culture and a hope for a new tomorrow!