Egyptian film director Yousry Nasrallah speaks during the opening ceremony of the sixth Arab Film Festival, at the Arthouse Momo theater at Ewha Womans University in Seoul on June 1. From left: Jordanian producer Nadia Eliewat, director Nasrallah and Lebanese actress Julia Kassar.
By Kim Young Deok and Kim Young Shin
Photos = Korea-Arab Society
June 1, 2017 l Seoul
“Through my work I wanted to show an Arab woman’s life.”
So said Nadia Eliewat, the producer of the opening film “Solitaire” at the sixth Arab Film Festival in Seoul. The festival started on June 1 at the Arthouse Momo theater at Ewha Womans University.
“I tried to show the life of an Arab women through this story,” Eliewat said. “In a roundabout way, I think the movie can eliminate prejudice against Arab women across Asia.”
This year, the 12 films from 10 countries and territories -- the UAE, Qatar, Lebanon, Egypt, Iraq, Morocco, Palestine, Syria, Tunisia and Jordan -- will be screened for Korean cinephiles.
There are many films other than the opening film that are drawing attention. “Clash” describes Cairo in 2013 when the city was upended with demonstrations against President Morsi and the Arab Spring. Another film, “House Without Roof,” tells the story of the journey of three siblings trying to fulfill their mother’s last wish: to bury her in her hometown in Iraq next to her husband who was killed in the war. “Gaza Surf Club” portrays the life of young people who haven't lost hope, despite their tough life in Gaza.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Cho June-hyuck gives his congratulatory remarks during the opening ceremony of the sixth Arab Film Festival in Seoul on June 1.
“Cultural exchanges like this film festival, lay the groundwork for dispelling misunderstandings and prejudice, as well as contributing to reducing conflict and confrontations,” said Cho June-hyuck, a spokesperson from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“Watching Arab movies this Ramadan... This is an excellent time to get insights into how Arabs live, what they think, what they assume, and what they do,” Cho said. “Having said that, I'm convinced that this film festival has played and will be playing a significant role in fostering deep understanding between Korea and the Arab world.”
The films presented at this year’s festival are being screened at the Arthouse Momo theater at Ewha Womans University, at the Busan Cinema Center and at the Asia Culture Center in Gwangju, all for free. Tickets are given out online and on-site, with a maximum of two per person.
kyd1991@korea.kr
