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September 14 - Beyond Belief (2007) - 92 min. [Afghanistan]
After two "soccer moms," Susan Retik and Patti Quigley, lose their husbands in the events of 9/11, grief compels them to focus on Afghanistan, the country where the terrorists who took their husbands' lives were trained. Over the course of two years these extraordinary women dedicate themselves to empowering Afghan widows. As they make the courageous journey to the most desperate Afghan villages, they discover a powerful bond with each other, an unlikely kinship with widows halfway around the world, and a profound way to move beyond tragedy.
Discussion to follow, facilitated by: Tammy Castle, Justice Studies |
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September 21 - Ten (2004) - 94 min. [Iran]
World-renowned Iranian writer-director Abbas Kiarostami (TASTE OF CHERRY, THROUGH THE OLIVE TREES) has created a deceptively simple work-shot on digital video within the confines of a single vehicle-that brings the intricate nature of Iran's sexual and social politics into sharp focus. Seen through the eyes of a beautiful, chador-clad divorcée, the film catches her impromptu conversations with various female passengers (and her imperious young son) as she navigates Tehran's congested and vibrant streets over the course of several days. As Kiarostami's "dashboard cam" eavesdrops on these extraordinary and moving stories of sex, divorce, love and religion, an entirely original and fascinating portrait of modern Iran emerges. Also features the "master class" making-of documentary 10 ON TEN.
Discussion to follow, facilitated by: T.B.A., |
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September 28 - Reel Bad Arabs: How Hollywood Vilifies a People (2006) - 50 min. [General Middle East]
This groundbreaking documentary dissects a slanderous aspect of cinematic history that has run virtually unchallenged form the earliest days of silent film to today's biggest Hollywood blockbusters. Featuring acclaimed author Dr. Jack Shaheen, the film explores a long line of degrading images of Arabs--from Bedouin bandits and submissive maidens to sinister sheikhs and gun-wielding "terrorists"--along the way offering devastating insights into the origin of these stereotypic images, their development at key points in US history, and why they matter so much today. Shaheen shows how the persistence of these images over time has served to naturalize prejudicial attitudes toward Arabs and Arab culture, in the process reinforcing a narrow view of individual Arabs and the effects of specific US domestic and international policies on their lives. By inspiring critical thinking about the social, political, and basic human consequences of leaving these Hollywood caricatures unexamined, the film challenges viewers to recognize the urgent need for counter-narratives that do justice to the diversity and humanity of Arab people and the reality and richness of Arab history and culture. Written by MEF
Discussion to follow, facilitated by: Karim Altaii, Integrated Science and Technology
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October 5 - About Baghdad
(2005) - 90 min. [Iraq]
In July 2003, Sinan Antoon, an exiled Iraqi writer and poet, returned to his native Baghdad to see what became of his city after decades of wars, sanctions, oppression and occupation. Antoon takes us along on his quest to explore what Iraqis feel and think about the post-war situation and the complex relationship between the US and Iraq. ABOUT BAGHDAD is a journey into the hearts and minds of Iraqis encountered in Baghdad.
Discussion to follow, facilitated by: Manal Jamal, Political Science Department |
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October 12 - Budrus (2009) - 70 min. [Palestinian Territories]
When the residents of Budrus learn that the Israeli army plans to build the Separation Barrier through their town, cutting them off from neighboring Palestinian villages and uprooting their precious olive groves, they decide to organize. Under the leadership of Ayed Morrar, Palestinian men of all political factions come together to wage an unarmed struggle to preserve their lands. Victory seems unlikely until Ayed's 15-year-old daughter steps in to organize a female contingent that brings the women of Budrus to the front lines in a tense stand-off with the military.
As word of the nonviolent protest spreads, Israeli citizens, international activists and Palestinians from other villages join the people of Budrus to demand that the Barrier be moved. Struggling side by side, father and daughter unleash an inspiring, yet little-known movement that is still gaining ground today. Featuring interviews with unarmed demonstrators, Israeli soldiers and the citizens of Budrus, this harrowing, action-filled, and ultimately inspiring documentary has given hope to audiences around the world with its story of the ground-breaking nonviolent movement spreading across the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
Discussion to follow, facilitated by: Robert Bersson , Retired JMU faculty |
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October 19 - Yossi & Jagger (2004) - 65 min. [Israel]
The moving Yossi & Jagger, at 65 minutes in length, has the focused impact and emotional clarity of a fine short story. A multiple award winner (among other prizes, Yossi & Jagger took a Best Actor honor for Ohad Knoller at the 2003 Tribeca Film Festival), this unusual love tale, set on a snowy Israeli-Lebanese border facing possible Hezbollah incursions, has an unexpected sweetness and buoyancy. Knoller plays square-jawed, no-nonsense Yossi, company commander of an Israeli Defense Forces unit exhausted from sleepless nights anticipating an ambush. The handsome, fun-loving Jagger (Yehuda Levi), nicknamed for his rock-star appeal, is platoon leader and, unknown to all, Yossi's secret lover. The two arrange trysts by going off together on missions, and while Jagger begs Yossi to leave the army when the former's service is up, Yossi reminds him that real life is not a romantic movie. Meanwhile, the platoon's other characters and a trio of visitors--a colonel (Sharon Reginiano) and his two female soldier-companions (Hani Furstenberg, Aya Koren)--prove to be a lot of fun sorting out everything from menus to love lives before their next, possibly lethal mission. Director Eytan Fox's naturalistic touch, and ability to highlight the expansiveness of mature love even in the most tragic and ironic of circumstances, is something to marvel at. --Tom Keogh
Discussion to follow, facilitated by: Tammy Castle, Justice Studies |
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October 26 - True Life: Resist the Power! Saudi Arabia (2010) - 63 min. [Saudi Arabia]
Through love, fashion, and music, our friends will try to change the culture of their country. Meet four young Saudis fighting for more freedoms in their extraordinarily traditional country. Fatima is a young woman who dislikes the treatment of females in her country. Women must cover their bodies in dark traditional garments, some leaving only a small opening for the eyes. To fight back, she will open up her own clothing line, vibrant in color and decoration. Will her fellow peers buy in to this fashion rebellion?
Ahmad, Fatima's friend, is also trying to push for women's rights by pushing for change at the city council. With tradition against him, Ahmed will have to do what he can as a man for the women of his country. Women are not the only people being censored.
A local metal band, Breeze of the Dying, has been trying to play shows in Saudi Arabia ever since they formed. With extremists condemning the "devil music", will the guys be able to put on a show? Then, there's Aziz. He's in love with a girl he has never met. Aziz spends his time on the internet and has met his girlfriend while surfing chat sites. He wants to see her face to face and hopes for marriage, but his country's traditions won't allow this type of encounter. Can he cheat the system?
Discussion to follow, facilitated by: Suraj Jacob, Justice Studies |
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November 2 - Control Room (2004) - 68 min. [Iraq]
How does Al Jazeera (the Arab world's most popular news outlet) view the Iraq War? This is exactly what this documentary has achieved despite the many harsh critiques that it has received from the Pentagon and the Bush administration in light of its biais towards Iraq
Discussion to follow, facilitated by: Tammy Castle, Justice Studies |
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November 9 - City of Life (2009) - 89 min. [United Arab Emerits]
A privileged young male Arab at odds with his cultural identity and his less fortunate street smart friend; a disillusioned Indian taxi driver who bears an uncanny resemblance to a famous Bollywood star; and a former Romanian ballet dancer now working as a flight attendant and searching for love and companionship ... these individuals all live in Dubai and their lives are about to collide for better or for worse in a city where ambition, growth and opportunity are encouraged and dreams can still manifest. "City of Life" is an urban drama that tracks the various intersections of a multi-ethnic cast, examining how random interactions and their consequences can irrevocably impact another's life. As the name suggests, City of Life's inordinately humane kaleidoscope of converging experiences introduces a city that is in itself a living pulsating character. "City of Life" ultimately reveals how unexpected tragedy and loss can lead to hope and profound transformation as it explores and exposes the complex network that exists in an emerging multi cultural society's race, ethnicity and class divide
Discussion to follow, facilitated by: Shah Hanifi, History Department |
Sponsored by:
Office of International Programs
Justice Studies
Middle Eastern Communities and Migration minor
Location:
Miller Auditorium is located in the Bluestone section of the JMU campus or at the corner of Grace Street and Madison Drive. The R12 parking space indicated on the map are the most conveniently located and are open to the public after 5pm.
Information:
For additional information, feel free to contact the main organizers of this film series:
Tammy Castle - Justice Studies - +1 (540) 568 5929
Suraj Jacob - Justice Studies - +1 (540) 568 5927
Thomas Lavenir - Office of International Programs - +1 (540) 568 7314
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