From September 28-October 4, 2013, the Toronto Palestine Film Festival (TPFF) will screen 24 films by Palestinian and international filmmakers and host a multitude of interactive events. TPFF’s opening weekend will provide audiences with great films, delicious foods and excellent discussions.
Opening Night Film: When I Saw You
Date: Saturday,September 28, 2013, 6:30 pm
Venue: Bloor Hot Docs Cinema
TPFF 2013 opens with the awarding-winning film When I Saw You by Annemarie Jacir. Jacir (Salt of this Sea) sets her latest film in 1967 Jordan – a time of change, upheaval and renewed hope. In the aftermath of the Naksa, tens of thousands of refugees pour across the border from Palestine, including 11 year-old Tarek and his mother Ghaydaa. Sent to the Harir refugee camp, they join those who arrived in 1948 and still waiting to return. The precocious Tarek, struggling with camp life, decides to run away and finds himself on an unexpected journey. Jacir’s film beautifully captures the plight of the dispossessed who long for their past life in their homeland while trying to build a new life in exile. Director in attendance via skype.
Sunday Morning: Sahtain! Palestinian Brunch
Date: September 20, 2013, 11:00am – 1:00pm
Venue: Beit Zatoun, 612 Markham Street (New Venue)
The always popular brunch will be catered again by the acclaimed executive chef of 93 Harbord, Isam Kaisi. Guests will enjoy an array of delicious traditional Palestinian brunch dishes. This year’s Sahtain! will also feature a live musical performance by oud-master Dr. Radwan Taleb.
Sunday Afternoon: TPFF TALKS: The Art of Revolution
Date: September 29, 2013, 2:00 pm – 4:00pm
Venue: Beit Zatoun, 612 Markham Street FREE EVENT
After the brunch, TPFF hosts a free event with filmmakers attending the festival. Film, video, art and theatre have played an important role in Middle Eastern revolutions and resistance of the occupation. Join us as we explore the role art plays in societies struggling for change with our esteemed guests: Omar Robert Hamilton, an independent filmmaker, producer of the Palestine Festival of Literature and a founding member of the Mosireen Collective in Cairo; and Udi Aloni, an artist, writer and filmmaker who also worked with the Cinema Department of the Freedom Theatre in the Jenin refugee camp.
Further Highlights:
CLOSING NIGHT: A World Not Ours
Date: October 4, 2013, 7:00 pm
Venue: TIFF Bell Lightbox 1
TPFF closes the festival with the critically acclaimed documentary A World Not Ours by Mahdi Fleifel. Fleifel’s first documentary feature immerses us in the Ain el-Helweh Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon. His filmed conversations with three generations of his family and childhood friends still living in the camp provide an uncensored take on life as a refugee.
ART CREATES CHANGE: Artist Talk with Emily Jacir
Date: Thursday October 3, 7:00pm
Venue: OCADU, Central Hall, Room 230
OCAD University with TPFF presents an artist talk with Emily Jacir. Emily Jacir, an internationally renowned Palestinian contemporary artist, works in a variety of media, including installation, performance, social intervention, photography, film and video. She has exhibited her works throughout the world and been honoured many times for her artistic achievements including a Golden Lion at the 2007 Venice Biennale. Through her works, Jacir has brought the Palestinian narrative to the contemporary art world internationally.
TPFF TALKS: The Art of Revolution
Date: Sunday, September 29, 2013, 2:00 pm
Venue: Beit Zatoun, 612 Markham Street
Film, video, art and theatre have played an important role in Middle Eastern revolutions and resistance of the occupation. Join us as we explore the role art plays in societies struggling for change with our esteemed guests: Omar Robert Hamilton, an independent filmmaker, producer of the Palestine Festival of Literature and a founding member of the Mosireen Collective in Cairo; and Udi Aloni, an artist, writer and filmmaker who also worked with the Cinema Department of the Freedom Theatre in the Jenin refugee camp.
Arab World Perspective Program (Morocco): They Were Promised the Sea
Date: October 2, 2013, 9:00 pm
Venue: Jackman Hall, AGO
TPFF’s Arab World Perspectives program shines a cinematic light on another part of the Middle East. This year, TPFF will focus on Morocco, specifically its former Jewish inhabitants and the friends and neighbours they left behind. Shot in Morocco and Israel-Palestine, Toronto filmmaker Kathy Wazana’s film is part historical investigation, part poetic/musical essay on loss and longing and the possibilities of coexistence. Director in attendance.
TPFF ‘With Love From Palestine’ Art Show
Date: September 30-October 3, 2013, 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 prints, sketches, paintings and photography.
Ticket Info: 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-2013/