The International Documentary Film Festival of Amsterdam opens tomorrow, November 19, and will be featuring 9 AFAC-supported documentaries from Egypt, Morocco, Palestine, Syria and Yemen. Two of the documentaries will be participating in the festival: Mother of the Unborn by Egyptian filmmaker Nadine Salib and Silvered Water: Syria Self-Portrait by Syrian Ossama Mohammed and Wiam Simav Bedirxan (trailer in video clip above). The other 7 films will be featured at the Docs for Sale Film market, including Yemeni director Sarah Ishaq’s The Mulberry House, From My Syrian Room by Hazem alHamwi, Camera/Woman by Karima Zoubir from Morocco, The Wanted 18 by Palestinian director Amer Shomali, As If We Were Catching a Cobra by Hala AlAbdullah, Morning Fears, Night Chants by Salma Aldairy and Rola Ladkani (part of BALADI project from Syria) and Return to Homs by Talal Derki (also part of BALADI project). These films all provide insight into the lives and stories of people throughout the region, telling poignant tales that are as thought-provoking as they are powerful.
Have you seen any of these films? Which do you feel represents the situation in each given country best? Did you have a favorite? Tell us in the comments below.
For more information: Check out the IDFA website and their Docs for Sale, and AFAC’s informational site about the documentaries they have supported and other inspiring grantees projects in the region.