Lens on Palestine: women and resilience

Jun 21–28 2018

Thursday – Thursday
– EST

Middle East Institute
1319 18th St NW,
Washington, DC 20036

RSVP

The Middle East Institute’s Arts and Culture program presents a documentary series highlighting the voices of Palestinian women in collaboration with Filmlab: Palestine. Palestinian women have long played a prominent role in the struggle to end the occupation and to build a better future, but their narratives are often overlooked. MEI’s documentary series shines a light on their stories and  memories, revealing their strength and resilience in the face of  loss and dispossession.

The details

The Judge (2018-82mn) – Thursday, June 21, 5:00-7:00pm
Directed by Erika Cohen, The Judge chronicles the struggle of Kholoud Al-Faqih, who became one of the first woman judges to be appointed to Palestine’s Shari’a (Islamic law) courts.

The Speed Sisters (2015-80mn) – Friday, June 22, 5:00-7:00pm
Directed by Amber Fares, the documentary follows the first all-female Palestinian car racing team and explores the social issues surrounding their career. The film will be followed by a conversation with associate producer Rhana Natour.

Emwas  (2016-52mn) – Thursday, June 28, 4:00-5:00pm 

Directed by Dima Abou Ghosh, the film follows the director’s journey, as she rebuilds her demolished hometown, Emwas, through memories of family and friends who still yearn for their return. 

Stitching Palestine (2017- 78min) – Thursday June 28, 5:30-7:00pm

Twelve resilient, determined and articulate Palestinian women speak about their lives, memories and identities before their exile.  Their narratives are connected by the enduring thread of the Palestinian tradition of embroidery. Directed by Carol Mansour. A conversation with Nusayba Hammad, managing director of the D.C. Palestinian Film and Arts Festival, on Emwas and Stitching Palestine will follow the screening.