‘Middle East Now:’ Ecologies of Resistance
Back for its 15th edition, ‘Middle East Now’ is returning to Florence from October 15 to 20. A total of 34 films will be shown in Cinema La Compagnia (Via Cavour 50/r) and Cinema Astra (Piazza Beccaria 9), all of which will be in their original languages but with English and Italian subtitles. The rich program offers documentaries, feature and short films, as well as visual arts, photography, talks on contemporary culture, and cooking classes. The festival will take viewers on a journey across Afghanistan, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kurdistan, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Sudan, Tunisia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen.
‘Middle East Now’ aims to tell stories from voices we otherwise wouldn’t hear, and to shine a new perspective on the complex dynamics within the region. The theme this year is ‘Ecologies of Resistance,’ with regards to both the climate crisis and war. “On our 15th anniversary we would like to deepen our connection to the natural world, share the stories of everyday resistance, and promote a more equitable future,” said festival organiser Roberto Ruta. The festival united these two timely topics since both the climate crisis and the war are causing innocent victims.
The films will give the opportunity for the viewer to become immersed in different cultures. Some highlights include: “The Great Yawn of History” by Aliyar Rasti screened on Wednesday, October 16 (9 pm) at La Compagnia. The feature film tells the story of a man who dreams of a box of gold within a cave, that he feels he cannot go after due to his religious beliefs. Together with a non-believer he recruits to help him, they embark on a mission across Iran in pursuit of a miracle. A fascinating allegorical tale of a road trip that turns into a game of hide-and-seek between faith and human fragility. There will be a showing of “Retour en Alexandrie” by Tamer Ruggli on Saturday 19 (9 pm). The plot centers on Sue, who returns to her native Egypt after 20 years to see her mother, reconnects with her family and her own past, and strengthens her independence along the way.
Also unmissable will be “The Seven Waves” by Asma Bseiso on Sunday 20 (3 pm), a documentary that focuses on the Gaza Sea and the stories, myths and heros associated with it. It follows a Palestinian rowing champion, a fisherman and a marine rescuer and recounts what they have experienced whilst at sea. “Goodbye Julia,” the 2023 Sudanese film that won an award at Cannes, is also being screened on Sunday 20, at 9 pm. A wealthy woman from Khartoum unintentionally causes the death of a man from South Sudan, and out of guilt hires his wife, Julia, which causes a life changing situation for both women. The lead actresses will be there to present the film.
Special events will include an aperitivo with Palestinian street food in Cinema La Compagnia on Thursday 17, at 8 pm, the price for both the aperitivo and viewing the films (“In Between” and “Last Party in the R Desert”) that follow is €16. Those interested need to reserve their place and go to the ticket office at Cinema La Compagnia to do so. A culinary workshop – Gaza Kitchen – will be held from 5.30 till 8.30 pm on Friday, October 18. Guests will learn about the recipes and traditions that hold special significance in Palestinian culture and history. Held at the Scuola d’Arte Culinaria Cordon Bleu, via Giuseppe Giusti 7), booking mandatory (limited spots): info@middleastnow.it – phone 348.3821858 or 338.9868969.
Some events are free entry, such as a talk on Wednesday 16, at 7.30 pm, titled ‘Lebanese Chronicles: Between Fragility and Resistance,” however screenings are not. To buy your tickets online and secure your seat in the theatre: https://cinemalacompagnia.ticka.it.
