VCU to Host Fourth Annual Arabic Film Festival

By Mike Porter

The fourth annual Virginia Commonwealth University Arabic Film Festival will offer diverse perspectives of Arab life while presenting a selection of feature films from seven countries in the Middle East and Africa.

The festival takes place Friday, Sept. 21, beginning at 6:30 p.m., and Saturday, Sept. 22, beginning at 1 p.m. at the Grace Street Theater, located at 934 W. Grace St.  All films have English subtitles and are free and open to the public.

Saturday's feature film, "Le Grand Voyage," is the story of Reda, a young man who lives in the South of France and is preparing for his college entrance exams but feels obligated to drive his father to Mecca. The journey looks to be difficult, given the wide cultural and generation gap between Reda and his father. But the trip from France, through Italy, Serbia, Turkey, Syria, Jordan to Saudi Arabia becomes a life-changing experience for both.

"Encounter Point" is an 85-minute feature documentary that follows a former Israeli settler, a Palestinian ex-prisoner, a bereaved Israeli mother and a wounded Palestinian bereaved brother who risk their lives and public standing to promote a non-violent end to the conflict. The film explores what drives them and thousands of other like-minded people to overcome anger and grief to work for grassroots solutions.

Friday's feature film, "A New Day in Old Sana'a" is the romantic story of handsome young Tariq, who is about to marry Bilquis, the eldest daughter of a prominent and powerful judge.  But as he wanders through the ancient city of Sana'a late one night, he falls in love with another woman. Before long, Tariq must choose between following his heart and protecting his family's honor. This is the first feature film from Yemen to be released in the United States.

"We try to find films that offer a different perspective about Arabic culture and people than what you typically see on the news," said Paul Messplay, Arabic Film Festival screening director.

For more information, visit www.arabicfilmfestival.com or call (804) 828-2020.