In the wake of tragedy, a natural response is to turn to the
arts to find a sense of solace and strength. Art can help us work through our
pain, reflecting the world as it is, or presenting a brighter picture of how we
wish it to be. The empathic nature of film in particular is uniquely suited to
cultivate a sense of understanding in audiences, and in some way help us make
sense of the senseless.
Named for the Arabic word for
“peace,” the series will screen three films by renowned Middle Eastern
filmmakers Youssef Chahine, Jafar Panahi, and Nuri Bilge Ceylan, in solidarity
with Muslim people all over the world. Admission to all screenings is free.
Set in the Arab-ruled Spanish province of Andalusia during
the 12th century, Youssef Chahine’s 1997 film “Destiny” combines elements of melodrama and musical to tell the true story of
philosopher Averroes (played by actor Nour El-Sherif). A true example of epic
filmmaking from one of Egypt’s greatest directors. (Sunday, April 21, 6 p.m.)
“The White Balloon” is a sweet fable
about Razieh, a 7-year-old girl on a mission to buy a goldfish with money given
to her by her mother. But along the way she encounters several people, each out
to either help or hinder her journey. Made by renowned Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi
prior to being slapped with a government-mandated 20-year ban on filmmaking
(not that he’s let that stop him from making movies) this is appropriately a
tale about holding onto hope in world that doesn’t always reward it. (Sunday,
June 16, 6 p.m.)
An existentialist murder mystery from Turkish filmmaker Nuri
Bilge Ceylan, the darkly funny “Once Upon a Time in
Anatolia” follows the meandering investigation being conducted by
policemen, prosecutors, and various officials. The men are searching for a corpse,
supposedly the victim of a brutal murder. Their suspect can’t remember where he
buried the body because he claims he was drunk at the time. The long, strange
journey that ensues reveals Ceylan’s fascination with the more impenetrable
depths of human nature. (Sunday, June 23, 6 p.m.)
This article appears in Apr 24-30, 2019.
