Theatre & Romance

A first for the MENA Film Festival: This event combines two shorts and a feature film that exemplify the romance inherent in all things theatrical! While some films have topics that are more overtly about the performing arts, some draw inspiration from the theater in their set design and cinematography. Join us for an artist panel after the screening that will explore the intersection of film, performance, and theatricality. Please register for tickets to the film program and artist panel separately.

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Co-presented with:

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In-Person Exclusive

East of Noon

Hala Elkoussy

Egypt

Netherlands

Qatar

2024

Drama

109

mins

Language:

Arabic

A fable set in a confined world outside time, follows prodigy Abdo as he rebels against his elders. Music becomes Abdo’s weapon against their oppressive rule, offering a glimpse of a better world.

In-Person Exclusive

Shame

Hadi Moussally

France

Lebanon

Spain

2024

Comedy

mins

Language:

Arabic

In 19th-century Levant, Salma’s simple act of revealing herself during a family photoshoot sparks a scandal, exposing how ‘shame’ polices bodies, gender, and identity across time and culture.

In-Person Exclusive

Taha

Mahyar Mandegar

United States

2024

Drama

mins

Language:

English, Farsi

In a rundown Iranian circus in Los Angeles, 70-year-old groundskeeper decides to participate in the show in order to see what the trapeze dancer claims to witness every night, up in the sky.