Film Fest Opening Reception

Wednesday 9.24 The Main Cinema

6–7PM Opening Night Reception in the lobby of The Main Cinema), catered by Shish

7PM Thank You for Banking with Us at The Main

Join us before the opening night film Thank You for Banking with Us for a catered reception by Shish, to celebrate the opening of the 19th annual Twin Cities Arab Film Fest. Entry to reception is included with your Opening Night film ticket, or Arab Film Fest All–Access Pass.

Workshop: Short Filmmaking Workshop with Randa Jarrar

Thursday 9.25–Friday 9.26 12PM–3PM

FilmNorth

During this year’s festival, local filmmakers can sign up for a two-day, intensive class with acclaimed author Randa Jarrar. This workshop offers SWANA artists a comprehensive, hands-on journey through the entire short film creation process. Participants will get a crash course in filmmaking, learning the basic steps from initial concept to finished film. Participants will learn to craft  compelling vignettes, draft short screenplays (2–8 pages), and create shot lists, while also gaining insight into the practical elements of filmmaking, like  casting, crew assembly, location scouting, shooting, editing, and scoring. Through guided exercises and direct mentorship, students will develop concrete plans for their own short films while gaining the technical and creative skills needed to bring their stories to life. This workshop eliminates the traditional barriers of lengthy assignments and critique sessions, and instead focuses on practical application and the specific storytelling perspectives that SWANA artists bring to film.

The workshop will take place over two afternoons on Thursday, Sept. 25, and Friday, Sept. 26, 12–3pm. This workshop has a sliding scale fee of $30–$100. Presented in partnership with FilmNorth.

REGISTER HERE

Saturday 9.27

The Main Cinema

Before the screening of Sudan, Remember Us, Decolonize Sudan will host a teach-in about the current situation in Sudan. This program is free to attend.

About Decolonize Sudan
Decolonize Sudan is a grassroots, Sudanese-led organization committed to dismantling imperial influence, amplifying Sudanese voices, and building power within the Sudanese diaspora. Through political education, community organizing, and advocacy, we equip our communities to challenge disinformation, reclaim narrative power, and shape our own futures. Learn more: DecolonizeSudan.org

Catharsis: Arab Film Fest Dance Night

Saturday 9.27 at 9PM (Doors 8:30 PM) 

The Cedar Cultural Center

Join Mizna at The Cedar Cultural Center for a night of purging our grief and anger on the dance floor, featuring local DJs Jacques, Jamal, and TaliaKnight. Mizna merch and journals will be available to purchase on site. Presented in partnership with The Cedar. 

Free for Arab Film Fest passholders, tickets on sale HERE

Sunday 9.28 at 11am

A–Mill Artist Lofts

Join us for a roundtable discussion with visiting filmmakers Laila Abbas, Nadia Shihab, and Randa Jarrar about craft, working across disciplines, and what it means to be making art during times of devastation.

RSVP HERE

SUNDAY 9.28 Closing night at the Walker Art Center

5:15pm–7pm reception
7pm East of Noon

Mizna’s 19th Twin Cities Arab Film Festival holds its closing day with a pair of special screenings and a closing reception co-presented with the Walker.  

5:15PM–7:00 PM Closing Reception + catering from Baba’s 

Closing reception will be held in the Bazinet lobby with catering from Baba’s and a cash bar. Passholders will receive a complimentary drink ticket. Passholders will receive a code to reserve their tickets to the Sunday events at the Walker through their website.

This special closing night screening is followed by a Q+A with the director of the film, Hala Elkoussy.

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East of Noon

East of Noon is a satirical, modern-day fable that examines the inner workings of a failing autocracy and its impacts on younger generations. Following her distinctive debut, Cactus Flower (2017), Hala Elkoussy’s second feature, East of Noon, bends and blends genres, resulting in a satirical, contemporary fable, shot on 16mm. 

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