SAFAR Film Festival: Generational Encounters in Arab Cinema @ Barbican Centre

About

The 2021 edition of SAFAR is curated by Rabih El-Khoury around the theme of Generational Encounters in Arab Cinema, showcasing contemporary and classic films with emergent youth, familial disparities and societal tensions at their centre. 

SAFAR will run in cinemas from 1 – 10 July with screenings at the Barbican, the Ciné Lumière, and the ICA, and online from 11 – 17 July with a programme of donation-based screenings to enjoy at home (available in the UK). A selection of online events will further illuminate the theme, inviting directors, industry leaders, and other creatives for Q&As and panel discussions accessible globally.

Check out the full programme on www.safarfilmfestival.co.uk

Screenings at the Barbican include:

* Thursday 1 July: the UK premiere of Souad, directed by Ayten Amin (Egypt) plus director Q&A

The opening film at this year's SAFAR Film Festival follows Souad, a 19 year old on the brink of adulthood, who leads a double life from her home in Zagazig, a small city on the Nile Delta in Egypt.

* Friday 2 July: Adam, directed by Maryam Touzani (Morocco) plus director Q&A

Inspired by a real-life encounter, this debut feature by Moroccan actor and filmmaker Maryam Touzani is the story of two lonely souls, trapped by destiny, who seek refuge in flight and denial.

* Saturday 3 July: The Dream, directed by Mohamad Malas (Syria) 40 year anniversary screening, plus discussion

Filmed in 1980-81, The Dream is composed of interviews with different Palestinian refugees including children, women, elderly people, and militants from refugee camps in Lebanon.

* Tuesday 6 July: the UK premiere of We Are From There (Lebanon/Syria) plus director Q&A.

Director Wissam Tanios documents the experiences of his Syrian cousins as they embark on journeys to Europe in search of new lives.

All director Q&As will be live-streamed into the cinema and hosted in person by SAFAR curator Rabih El-Khoury.