The Arab American National Museum proudly hosts its annual Arab Film Festival (AFF), featuring fascinating new titles from one of the most prolific and creative set of filmmakers on the planet. AFF is one of the Museum’s longest-running programs, dating back to its inception in 2005.

AFF showcases Arab and Arab American films for fans of Arabic-language movies and adventurous art-film lovers seeking new perspectives and outside-the-box thinking. Many of these films by both Arab World and Arab American artists are, with few exceptions, unlikely to reach traditional American commercial theaters. Genres include drama, comedy and documentary, in both short-form and feature lengths. Every festival film is subtitled in English, making them accessible to all.

The Arab Film Festival strives to bring you the absolute best films from the Arab world and Arab American community to the doorstep of metro Detroit, with many films making their Michigan and/or U.S. debut. We pride ourselves on creating a safe space, a platform for Arab and Arab American films and filmmakers and to give a voice to Arab and Arab American artists and their stories.

Schedule of Events:

Wednesday, May 17, 2023:

6 - 9 PM -- Dinner & A Movie
Arab American National Museum

Join the Arab American National Museum's (AANM) kickoff to their Arab Film Festival by joining us for a delicious meal from Tunisian Market/Cafe, El Harissa. Following dinner and at 7pm, please join us for the Michigan premiere of the film Under The Fig Trees. This option gives guests access to both dinner and the film.

7 - 9 PM -- Under the Fig Trees
Arab American National Museum

Among the trees, young women and men working the summer harvest develop new feelings, flirt, try to understand each other, find – and flee – deeper connections.

Thursday, May 18, 2023:

7 - 9 PM -- You Resemble Me
Arab American National Museum

When two sisters are abruptly separated, the eldest, Hasna, struggles to find her identity and place in the world.

Friday, May 19, 2023:

7 - 8:30 PM -- Shorts Program: An Ode to Our Collective Memory
Arab American National Museum

This shorts program highlights films that recall and pay homage to our past while also carving out our current identities.

8:30 - 10 PM -- Film Festival Reception!
Arab American National Museum

Open to all! Celebrate with us with delicious finger foods, drinks and film friends as we celebrate another year of great Arab cinema!

Friday, May 19, 10 PM - Saturday, May 20, 12 AM -- Hanging Gardens
Arab American National Museum

When a young Iraqi rubbish picker rescues an American sex doll from the Baghdad dumps, he crosses into a perilous red zone, where friends become enemies and nothing is certain in an explosive mix of love, war and madness.

Saturday, May 20, 2023:

11 AM - 12:30 PM -- The Desert Rocker
Arab American National Museum

The desert Rocker is an intimate, witty and profound portrait of the extraordinary Hasna El Becharia, pioneer Gnawa artist.

1 - 3 PM -- Shorts Program: Muthmir: Cultivation & Growth
Arab American National Museum

This collection of short films focuses on the cultivation and growth of the next generation, as youth take control of the narrative and write the next chapter of society.

4 - 6 PM -- Daughters Of Abdul-Rahman
Arab American National Museum

Years after escaping a dictated life, four estranged and offbeat sisters are forced to come together to find their suddenly-missing father.

7 - 9:30 PM -- The Blue Caftan
Arab American National Museum

Halim has been married to Mina for a long time, with whom he runs a traditional caftan store in the medina (old town) of Salé, Morocco. The couple has always lived with Halim's secret – his homosexuality – about which he has learned to keep quiet. However, Mina's illness and the arrival of a young apprentice upsets this balance. United in their love, each will help the other face his fears. Guests are invited to join our moderator for a talkback of the film immediately following the screeni...

10 PM - Sunday, May 21, 12 AM -- The Taste Of Apples Is Red
Arab American National Museum

Syrian director Ehab Tarabieh’s The Taste Of Apples Is Red which is set against the background of the director’s native Golan Heights and revolves around two brothers who are reunited after 47 years apart.

Sunday, May 21, 2023:

1 - 3:30 PM -- Doc Block: Palestine
Arab American National Museum

This block of documentaries highlights the life, struggles, joy and stories from Palestine.

4 - 6 PM -- Shorts Program: Struggles of Change
Arab American National Museum

In this short collection of films, our characters struggle with their changing world, which can lead to both opportunity and challenges.

Dates: May 17-21, 2023.

Location: Arab American National Museum, 13624 Michigan Avenue, Dearborn, MI 48126

And also Held Virtually from May 17-21, 2023.

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