The online screenings under CinemaNa will be followed by discussions between featured filmmakers and the audience.
The Arts Centre at NYU Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), in collaboration with the NYUAD Film and New Media Programme and Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, has announced additions to the fourth season of its contemporary Arab cinema series, CinemaNa.
The online screenings will be followed by discussions between the filmmakers and the audience. Films will be screened on one day monthly from February to April.
Speaking about the event, series co-curator and Associate Arts Professor of Film at NYUAD Scandar Copti, said: “We are thrilled to screen critically acclaimed and award-winning films that will create a space for open dialogue around the diverse cultural and social issues that these movies tackle. We invite audiences to join the virtual post-screening Q&A sessions for an in-depth conversation with the filmmakers, on subjects including women’s rights, school bullying, domestic workers’ conditions, and love.”
The screenings begin with Between Two Seas directed by Egyptian/American filmmaker Anas Tolba on February 8 at 7:30 pm. Three Short Films, directed by Emirati director Abdulrahman Al Madani, will follow on Monday, March 8 at 7:30 pm. The programme concludes with Gaza Mon Amour, directed by Palestinian filmmakers Arab and Tarzan Nasser on Monday, April 19 at 7:30 pm.
Co-curator and Assistant Professor of Sociology at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, Clio Chaveneau added, “In this time of isolation and uncertainty, we believe that cinema is an amazing medium to bring people closer to each other. We are pleased to present two remarkable features from Egypt and Palestine, as well as three insightful Emirati short films, which will lead to vivid conversations with filmmakers and special guests.”
Associate Director of External Relations at NYUAD Reem Saleh, who directed What Comes Around, screened at CinemaNa in 2019, commented: “As home to the world’s largest youth demographic, the MENA region has a wealth of young, talented filmmakers whose work reflects the complex, diverse, troubled, and beautiful nature of our region. We are proud to screen these ambitious films to an equally diverse, engaged, and active audience in the UAE, who are ready to be moved, and challenged, by our offerings. Even with the online format, and perhaps even because of it, we continue to create a sense of connection and community that is vital during this time.”
