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home > calendar > boston palestine film festival
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| | Pomegranates and Myrrh A story of forbidden romance between a young Palestinian newlywed and her dance teacher. Screens Oct 17 at 8:30 pm. | |
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Boston Palestine Film Festival, Oct 17-Nov 1, 2009
The Boston Palestine Film Festival returns to the MFA for its third year with documentaries, dramatic features, and short films by emerging artists that bring authentic Palestinian perspectives, experiences, and culture to the MFA Film Program.
Purchase a festival pass, good for 10 screenings; $85 |
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Highlights
Oct 17, 8:30 pm Pomegranates and Myrrh (Al Mor wa Al Rumman) by Najwa Najjar
Free-spirited dancer Kamar is the wife of a prisoner, living far from everything she loves. Taking comfort in dancing, she is confronted with Kais, a Palestinian returnee, who has taken over her role as head choreographer. Sparks fly between the two, creating a passionate, emotional dance. Kamar’s life is thrown into turmoil when she learns that her husband’s sentence is extended and her family’s livelihood is threatened. This program was previously scheduled for 7 pm
Oct 18, 3 pm Heart of Jenin by Leon Geller and Marcus Vetter
In 2005, after 12-year-old Ahmed is killed in a Palestinian refugee camp, his father Ismael decides to donate his organs to save the lives of Israeli children. This powerful documentary leads us to Israel, to the occupied territories, and to people who have learned to live every day with conflict and violence, yet remain hopeful for peace.
Oct 23, 8:30 pm American Radical: The Trials of Norman Finkelstein by David Ridgen and Nicolas Rossier
A probing documentary about American academic Norman Finkelstein, devoted son of Holocaust survivors, ardent critic of Israel and US–Middle Eastern policy, and author of five provocative books—including The Holocaust Industry.
Oct 24, 7 pm Mahmoud Darwish: As the Land Is the Language followed by guest readings of poetry by Mahmoud Darwish will now play at Kendall Square Cinema on Thu, Oct 29, 7 pm.
Sat, Oct 25, 3 pm The Dupes by Tawfik Saleh
Set in Iraq in the 1950s, three Palestinian refugees try to make their way across the border—concealed in the steel tank of a truck—to the “Promised Land” of Kuwait. A stark, stately black-and-white film, the story traces the destinies of these three men brought together by dispossession, despair, and hope for a better future.
Sun, Nov 1, 2:30 pm Curfew by Rashid Masharawi
What begins as a normal day turns to panic when Israelis suddenly announce an open-ended curfew, then move in with tanks to take over the streets. Through the microcosm of the Abu Raji family, we gain insight into some of the societal dynamics at play in an earlier, less restricted period in Palestine. Discussion with the director follows screening.
Sun, Nov 1, 5 pm Laila's Birthday (Eid Milad Laila) by Rashid Masharawi
A former judge, Abu Laila, now drives a taxi to make ends meet. Masharawi uses Abu Laila’s travels as a window into contemporary Palestine, revealing a situation both more complicated than one could imagine and one that is universally human. Discussion with the director follows screening. Tickets available shortly.
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Short Film Programs
Oct 17, 2 pm Fatenah, This Palestinian Life, and Gaza Winter Palestinian history through photographs, a group of villagers who practice nonviolent resistance, and a spicy tomato salad are the subjects of three short films.
Oct 18, 12:30 pm Palestine in Fragments, Fasateen (Dresses) , and Penelope Ordinary events carry a terrifying truth, an empty Palestinian village, and a young woman ready for a change.
Oct 22, 7 pm City of Borders, Gaza-London and A Boy, a Wall, and a Donkey Israelis and Palestinians gather at a gay bar in Jerusalem, a student waits to hear if his mother is safe, and a group of friends try to make a movie.
Oct 24, 2 pm Seeds of Peace and Keffiyeh: Made in Palestine An industry worker fights for the right to form a union and the factory that produces headscarves faces foreclosure are the subjects of the two films. Sedition will now screen at Kendall Square Cinema on Thu, Oct 29, 9 pm.
Oct 24, 3:45 pm Young Freud in Gaza, To My Father, and Diggit Gaza A Palestinian psychologist tries to restore optimism in his patients, a photographic history of Palestine, and a spicy tomato salad are the subjects of three short films. Tickets available soon. This program was previously scheduled for 4:30 pm
Oct 25, 12:30 pm Five Minutes from Home, On the East Side, and Jerusalem, the Adulterous Wife The Jerusalem Airport, a group of friends, and Jerusalem’s status as a territory claimed by both Palestine and Israel is explored.
Oct 25, 5:30 pm Special Preview: Terrace of the Sea, Merely a Smell, and Lesh Sabreen (Why Sabreen)? The relationship between past and present, relief workers cleaning up debris, and a young couple dream of something more in this group of short films. This program was previously scheduled for Oct 17, 4:30 pm
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Ticket Information
MFA Tickets: Members, seniors and students $8; general admission $10. Discount matinee prices (weekday until 5 pm; weekends until 12:30 pm) are $6, $7.
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