21st Annual Arabian Sights Film Festival
October 21 – 30

The 21st Annual Arabian Sights Film Festival returns with a new and exciting program featuring groundbreaking works from North Africa to the Arabian Gulf. Select directors will accompany their films to conduct post-screening discussions with the audience and also participate on a panel to discuss the latest developments in Arab cinema. Arabian Sights will be bookended with Opening and Closing Night events to commemorate this year.

An Audience Award for favorite film will be presented. Also offered this year will be the Cultural Ambassador Prize sponsored by The Arab Gulf States Institute of Washington.

All films will be screened with English subtitles.

Tickets

Tickets go on sale on Thursday, September 29. Tickets will be available for purchase at the theater during the festival and advance sales will be conveniently available online. Be sure to see our Ticket page for details on our discount packages.

Opening Night

Opening Night on Friday, October 21 will feature the premiere of the multi-award winning Tunisian film As I Open My Eyes, directed by Leyla Bouzid, and followed by a reception at AMC Mazza Gallerie. Co-presented with the Embassy of the Republic of Tunisia and Movie Pigs.

Embassy of the Republic of Tunisia

Closing Night

Closing Night will feature the entertaining Lebanese comedy Halal Love (and Sex) followed by a party at AMC Mazza Gallery. Director Assad Fouladkar will be present. Presented under the patronage of the Embassy of Lebanon and co-presented with the Lebanese American University.

Embassy of Lebanon

What's Next for Arab Cinema?

This FREE panel will feature guest filmmakers and critics exploring dynamics shaping today's Arab cinema and what we can expect in the future. This is an exceptional event not to be missed!

Meet Our Special Guests

Astray

Saturday, October 29

• Director Lubna Bagsair, Astray (United Arab Emirates) in Short Cuts
• Star Amr El-Bayoumi and writer, producer and star Vishwas, The Visit (USA) in Short Cuts
• Director Mayar Hamdan, Asfoora (Qatar) in Short Cuts
• Theo Padnos, subject of film Theo Who Lived (USA)

Cairo in One Breath

Sunday, October 30

• Director Anna Kipervaser, Cairo in One Breath (Ukraine/USA/Egypt)
• Director Assad Fouladkar, Halal Love (and Sex) (Lebanon/Germany)

Check back frequently for updates about our program, tickets, special events, and guests; and be sure to join our mailing list and follow us on Twitter and Facebook for the most up to date news.