The 2017 ‘Middle East Now’ Festival

From the amateur moviegoer to the film connoisseur, guests have the opportunity to experience life in the contemporary Middle East through cinema, music, fashion, architecture, food and more from April 4 – 9.

“Urban Middle East,” the festival’s focal point, will feature unique perspectives to tell the stories of the area through its cities, the people and their daily lives. With 45 movies being shown, guests should expect a variety of genres, including documentaries, animations and short films at Cinema La Compagnia, via Cavour 50/r.

Films, however, are only a part of the festivities. The Harakat Sisters, who have made a name in the fashion world, will be setting up a pop-up shop at Boutique Nadine (Lungarno Accaiuoli), on April 7 at 6:30 pm. The duo is known for their use of Western-Asian influence and vibrant colors, making their work a must-see.   Chef Philip Juma, British-Iraqi founder and head chef of Juma Kitchen will teach a cooking class (Saturday, April 8 at 10:30 am) at the Cordon Bleu Culinary School.

A photo exhibition by Tasneem Alsultan, “Saudi Tales of Love,” revolves around the liberation of women bound by tradition and norms set by society (through May 13). “Ali Baba Can’t be Found Here,” is an avant-garde video and photography installation by Chndy in collaboration with NYU Florence.  Both are opening at the FSM Gallery (via San Zanobi 32/r) on April 8 at 6 pm (free admission).

Headlining the cinema portion is “Last Men of Aleppo,” co-directed by Feras Feyyad and Steen Johannessen.  The Sundance Award-winning movie documents the daily lives of The White Helmets, the organization responsible for rescuing the residents of Syrian city under siege.  There will be two showings, the first on the 4th at La Compagnia (9 pm) and the second on Sunday, April 9 at Cinema Stensen (11 am).

Egypt, also considered “Hollywood on the Nile,” is spotlighted, with five entries on the country’s most recent history. “In the Last Days of the City,” directed by Tamer El Said will detail the adventures of a filmmaker living in downtown Cairo attempting to work despite tragedy all around him (April 8, Cinema La Compagnia, 8:45 pm).

From director Zaradasht Ahmed comes “Nowhere to Hide,” a documentary on the “triangle of death” in Iraq, an extremely dangerous area accessed by hospital nurse Nori Sharif.  The film is scheduled on Thursday, April 6 at Cinema La Compagnia (8:45 pm).

On Friday April 7, “Ladies First: Saudi Arabia’s Female Candidates” will be screened. Directed by Mona-El Naggar and Adam Bolt, the movie will share the experiences of women who are allowed to participate in their first election ever.  The culture of outspoken females in a more conservative society will be explored.

Notable directors included in the festival are Sherif El Bendary (“The Goat and Ibrahim”), Ceyda Torun (“Kedi: Cats in Instanbul”), Marco De Stefanis (“Waiting for Giraffes!”) and others.  For more information, see www.middleeastnow.it.  (imani webb)