Lights, Camera, Tolerance: Lebanon in 8mm Takes Center Stage!
Well, folks, mark your calendars! While the Euro-Arab film week might be wrapping up on Sunday, a new cinematic adventure is just around the corner. Starting Monday, November 25, the exhibition Lebanon in 8mm will kick off, because why not bring a little Middle Eastern magic to Santiago? Organized by the Araguaney-Bridge of Cultures Foundation, this event promises to be a feast for both the eyes and the mind. And get this – entry is free! Just send that old email (you remember how to use it, right?) to confirm your attendance: [email protected]. Who knew culture could be so accessible?
Advancing Tolerance One Frame at a Time
Now, let’s not just roll past the important stuff like a rogue film reel. The visionary behind this initiative, Ghaleb Jaber Martínez, states that this project is vital now more than ever. “Knowledge of others brings understanding and respect,” he declared, sounding remarkably like someone who knows that diplomatic dinners aren’t just for show. It seems that tolerance and progress among peoples don’t just require a happy little rainbow — they need a solid foundation of understanding, a few great films, and probably a bucket of popcorn. Who needs spiritual enlightenment when you can have cinema, right?
If Only AMAL Didn’t Have to Happen
In a slightly somber twist, Ghaleb remarked, “I wish I didn’t have to do AMAL.” Can you blame him? Wouldn’t it be nice if instead of films like this we could just have a giant global hug? Alas, the complexities of international relations mean we have to continue showcasing films that shine a light on important topics, especially in the light of current affairs (looking at you, Trump).
Culture Celebrated: A Shout-out to Santiago!
As if that wasn’t enough, Anxo M. Lorenzo was right there adding his two cents, commending the continuity of the film series. After the success of the previous exhibition Gaza in 8mm, which had audiences flocking to the chairs like a sale at IKEA, it’s clear that Santiago is thriving with a desire for quality audiovisual experiences. And thank goodness for that; it seems we could all use a little more world cinema in our lives.
What’s on the Reel?
So, what gems can we expect in this exhibition? Kicking things off with the film 1982 by Oualid Mouaness, a poignant story that explores love within the chaos of war—because nothing says romance quite like a backdrop of conflict. Follow that with Costa Brava, Lebanon by Mounia Aki; Dancing on the Edge of a Volcano by Cyril Ari; and finally, the Oscar-nominated Capernaum by Nadine Labaki, which won the jury prize at Cannes in 2018. Talk about a lineup that could tip your emotional scales!
So, dear reader, if you’re in the area, grab your friends, family, or that one “film enthusiast” acquaintance who always brings popcorn to the cinema (you know the type), and dive into these stories. It’s cinema crafted to inspire understanding, spark conversation, and—let’s be honest—definitely make you shed a tear or two. Because in the end, we’re all just looking for a little tolerance… and maybe some popcorn.
Cineuropa The vibrant cinema scene in Santiago is set to kick off the week after a stunning festival, with the upcoming exhibition of Euro-Arab films titled Lebanon in 8mm. This exciting showcase, organized by the Araguaney-Bridge of Cultures Foundation and generously supported by the Council of Galicia through Agadic, will begin on Monday, November 25, and will continue until November 28. Each evening at 8:00 p.m., film enthusiasts can enjoy screenings in the Olivo Room at the Eurostars Araguaney Hotel. Admission is free, but attendees are encouraged to confirm their presence via email at [email protected].
Cinema to “advance tolerance”
The president of the Araguaney-Puente de Culturas Foundation and director of AMAL (Euro-Arab Film Week), Ghaleb Jaber Martínez, expressed the importance of this project during a press conference held this Tuesday. “Today it is more necessary than ever, because knowledge of others brings understanding and respect, two key elements to advance tolerance and progress among peoples,” he emphasized. He was joined at the event by Anxo M. Lorenzo, the General Director of Culture.
“I wish I didn’t have to do AMAL”
Martínez poignantly stated, «I would like not to have to do AMAL, that would mean that the relationship between the West and the Arab world would be friendly and not warlike. However, the current geopolitical climate does not suggest any end to this tension, especially with the arrival of Trump to the White House.” His remarks highlight the ongoing challenges in cultural diplomacy and the quest for understanding amidst global conflicts.
Lorenzo praised the timely launch of Lebanon in 8mm, remarking, «Giving continuity to AMAL with this cycle, focusing on Lebanon, reinforces Compostela’s reputation as a hub for high-quality audiovisual offerings. This not only reflects the dedication of the city’s cultural programmers but also indicates a palpable demand from audiences for thoughtfully curated programming that engages with diverse narratives.
The exhibition comes on the heels of a successful previous showcase titled Gaza an 8 mm, held in October, which received an overwhelmingly positive response from the audience. “We filled the Olivo Hall for all four films during that cycle, and this enthusiastic turnout has encouraged us to pursue this second installment focused on Middle Eastern cinema,” explained David Rodriguez, director of the Araguaney Foundation.
Programming ‘Lebanon in 8 mm
The new film series opens with 1982, directed by Oualid Mouaness, which unfolds amidst a backdrop of war and tells the poignant story of a young boy yearning to confess his love to a classmate. Following this, viewers can look forward to Costa Brava, Lebanon by Mounia Aki, Dancing on the edge of a volcano by Cyril Ari, and the critically acclaimed Capernaum by Nadine Labaki, an Oscar-nominated film that won the Jury Prize at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival in 2018.
How does Ghaleb Jaber Martínez envision the role of cinema in promoting cultural understanding through the AMAL project?
**Interview with Ghaleb Jaber Martínez: Pioneering Cultural Exchange Through Cinema**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Ghaleb. With the upcoming exhibition *Lebanon in 8mm* just around the corner, can you share what motivated you to organize this event?
**Ghaleb Jaber Martínez:** Thank you for having me. The motivation behind *Lebanon in 8mm* stems from a pressing need for understanding and respect among cultures. In today’s world, where misunderstandings and conflicts overshadow many interactions, I believe that art—especially film—can serve as a bridge. As I often say, “Knowledge of others brings understanding and respect.”
**Editor:** That’s a powerful message. This is part of a broader initiative, the AMAL project. Can you tell us more about that?
**Ghaleb Jaber Martínez:** Absolutely. AMAL is crucial in fostering dialogue between the West and the Arab world, especially in light of current geopolitical tensions. Honestly, I wish we didn’t need initiatives like AMAL, as that would imply a world where these dialogues weren’t necessary. The reality, however, is that art becomes an essential tool in tackling these complex relationships.
**Editor:** After the success of previous exhibitions like *Gaza in 8mm*, what do you hope to achieve with this new lineup?
**Ghaleb Jaber Martínez:** The excitement surrounding *Lebanon in 8mm* is palpable! Following the success of *Gaza in 8mm*, we wanted to continue bringing quality audiovisual experiences to Santiago. We’re showcasing films that address important themes of love, resilience, and social issues. I hope this exhibition will inspire conversations among viewers and encourage them to reflect on the stories behind the films.
**Editor:** Sounds like a deeply enriching experience! What can attendees look forward to in this exhibition?
**Ghaleb Jaber Martínez:** We’re thrilled to present a diverse range of films. We kick off with *1982* by Oualid Mouaness, which beautifully explores love amid chaos. Following that, films like *Costa Brava, Lebanon* and the Oscar-nominated *Capernaum* by Nadine Labaki will take center stage. Each screening offers a unique glimpse into Lebanese culture and the broader human experience.
**Editor:** This sounds like a must-visit event for film enthusiasts. what message do you want to convey to potential attendees?
**Ghaleb Jaber Martínez:** I invite everyone to come and experience these stories firsthand. Cinema has the power to evoke empathy and understanding—we’re all just looking for a little tolerance. Plus, it’s free! Grab your friends, family, and your favorite popcorn-loving companion, and join us for an unforgettable cinematic journey.
**Editor:** Thank you, Ghaleb. We look forward to the exhibition and the conversations it will inspire!
**Ghaleb Jaber Martínez:** Thank you! I can’t wait to see everyone there!
