From September 29-October 7, 2011, Toronto Palestine Film Festival (TPFF) will screen 24 films by Palestinian and international filmmakers. The festival will debut 12 Canadian premieres, 4 North American premieres and 3 Toronto premieres.
OPENING NIGHT: The War Around Us
Date: September 29, 2012, 6:30pm
Venue: Bloor Hot Docs Cinema
TPFF 2012 opens with the Canadian premiere of the highly-anticipated, awarding-winning documentary The War Around Us by Abdallah Omeish. This gripping film chronicles the 2008/9 attack on Gaza through the lens and personal reflections of two Al Jazeera journalists–the only western reporters in Gaza during Operation Cast Lead.
The War Around Us – Teaser from Abdallah Omeish on Vimeo.
CLOSING NIGHT CONCERT: Marcel Khalife with Al Mayedine Ensemble
Date: October 7, 2012, Doors: 6pm – Concert: 7pm
Venue: Toronto Centre for the Arts, George Weston Recital Hall
Lebanese oud master Marcel Khalife with Al Mayedine Ensemble perform the poems of one of the Arab World’s most revered poets, the late Palestinian Mahmoud Darwish. The concert Fall of the Moon: An Homage to Mahmoud Darwish presents classical Middle Eastern and Western instruments in contemporary arrangements spanning intimate duets and rich ensemble pieces. Khalife is an internationally acclaimed composer, singer and musician, and was named UNESCO Artist for Peace in 2005.
Arab World Perspective Program: Microphone (Egypt)
Date: October 4, 2012, 7pm
Venue: Jackman Hall, AGO
The AWP program shines a light on another part of the Middle East. This year TPFF will focus on Egypt on the brink of revolution with the screening of critically-acclaimed Microphone by Ahmad Abdalla. Completed on the eve of the remarkable youth-led revolution that ultimately ousted President Mubarak last year, Microphone captures the rarely filmed arts scene in one of Egypt’s most vibrant cities, Alexandria.
Sahtain! Traditional Palestinian Brunch
Date: September 30, 2012, 11am
Venue: Beit Zatoun,612 Markham Street
Catered by the highly-reviewed chef and owner of 93 Harbord, Isam Kaisi, Sahtain! will offer guests the opportunity to enjoy a multitude of delicious traditional Palestinian brunch dishes. This year’s Sahtain! will also feature a live musical performance.
TPFF Art Show
Date: October 1-5, 2012, during screening times
Venue: Jackman Hall, AGO
The TPFF Art Show celebrates the creativity and talents of local artists whose works reflect their emotional and physical perspectives on Palestine. The connection between the artist and Palestine is translated into inspired and diverse artworks including sculptures, video art, paintings and photography.
Tickets and TPFF 10 Pass are on sale online and at the TIFF Bell Lightbox’s box office. For the complete TPFF program or to purchase tickets please visit http://tpff.ca/tpff-program-2012/.
The 5th annual TPFF takes place Sept 29- Oct 7, 2012. See tpff.ca for complete details.
Established in 2008, TPFF celebrates film as an art form and means of expression by showcasing the vibrant heritage, resilience, and narratives of the Palestinian people.