"The olive tree is more than a tree in Palestine, it is a heartbeat, a witness, a rooted elder holding centuries in its branches. When Israeli forces and settlers tear these groves from the earth, it is not only roots that are severed, but memory, heritage, and the quiet dreams of generations. Yet even uprooted, the olive carries a stubborn truth: that belonging cannot be erased, and that the land remembers those who loved it." Sliman Mansour of Palestine

Olive grove (حقل زيتون), oil on canvas, 2012 by Sliman Mansour of Palestine

sliman.mansour

The olive tree is more than a tree in Palestine, it is a heartbeat, a witness, a rooted elder holding centuries in its branches. When Israeli forces and settlers tear these groves from the earth, it is not only roots that are severed, but memory, heritage, and the quiet dreams of generations. Yet even uprooted, the olive carries a stubborn truth: that belonging cannot be erased, and that the land remembers those who loved it.

 

"Holy Family in an Olive Grove, 2020" painted by Palestinian artist Sliman Mansour

"Perseverance" by Sliman Mansour of Palestine

"Faith is the history of many generations, which gives ordinary people the power to carry on, even after 71 days of genocide. Faith is the secret ingredient that propels Palestinian forward until they win their freedom." Ramzy Baroud

Ramzy Baroud

@RamzyBaroud

 

Faith is a collective experience. A Legacy. Faith is the history of many generations, which gives ordinary people the power to carry on, even after 71 days of genocide. Faith is the secret ingredient that propels Palestinian forward until they win their freedom. Faith is #Gaza.

In Arabic, French, and Hebrew with English subtitles: Inheritance

 OPENING NIGHT will feature the premiere of the Palestinian film Inheritance directed by veteran actor Hiam Abbass. The film screening will take place on Friday, October 25 at 7:00 PM and will be immediately followed by a reception.

Inheritance follows a Palestinian family living in the north of Galilee as they prepare for the wedding of the patriarch's eldest granddaughter. But war raging between Lebanon and Israel as well as among the family members cuts short the festivities with air raid sirens and bruised spirits. The conservative patriarch-grandfather is losing control over his family. As his health deteriorates, his five offspring and their adult children strive to uphold tradition, or their versions of it, against a variety of modern day challenges. The young women seek independence, and Hajar, in particular, faces a potentially difficult decision regarding her British boyfriend. The other siblings struggle with debt, infertility, infidelity and identity; secrets are revealed and no one remains unscathed. Veteran actor Hiam Abbass (The Source, Arabian Sights 2012) pours volumes of rich personal experience into her directorial debut. She triumphs in weaving together these delicate stories to create an unflinching and courageous portrait of a modern Palestinian family.

In Arabic, French, and Hebrew with English subtitles

SCREENING WILL BE FOLLOWED BY A RECEPTION

Co-presented with American Task Force on Palestine

Friday	October 25	7:00 PM	AMC Mazza Gallerie	$20.00   Buy Tickets

American Task Force on 

Palestine

MOVIES

 Arabian Sights returns for its 18th year! From October 25 – November 3, Arabian Sights will present two weekends featuring some of the best in contemporary cinema throughout the Arab world. A panel discussion on the current post-revolution cinema in Egypt will also be held. Guest filmmakers will be present for post-screening discussions.

All film screenings will take place at AMC Mazza Gallerie. Tickets are available for presale and will be available for purchase at the theatre during the festival.

 

Press Releases

Kristin Van Meerbeke
Press Relations
filmfestdc@filmfestdc.org
202.274.5782

• The 18th Annual Arabian Sights Film Festival kicks off Friday, October 25 - Media Advisory, October 10, 2013
• Arabian Sights Film Festival 2013 - Media Advisory, September 30, 2013