Marwan Amara on Shifting Perspectives Through Documentaries; Dr. Gidaa Makki Explores the Complex Nature of Family Ties.
Concept Team
A short while ago. I hosted the "Family Picture" film program. screening 4 films: Roommates by Rania Zaher; Everything Will Be All Right by Farhad Badkal; All Night Long by Graham Marvin; and the documentary "I Told You" by Malek El Sayyad - within the activities of the first day of Midfest - Egypt Forum at the American University.
This was followed by a discussion of the films with filmmaker Marwan Amara and Dr. Gidaa Makki. Professor of Neurology. and the media seminar was moderated by Nadine Emil. who spoke about the theme of the forum. which is relations.
According to Dr. Gidaa. one of the most complicated things in life is a relationship. and most films we watch are about deep relations between children and parents. Unfortunately. women have more diseases and aren't taken seriously; then when it comes to special family relationships. even though they harm them. they will never cut them off. She said she was happy about the last film. I told you. since it was a reconciliation with oneself and courage enough to accept oneself and one's appearance just as it is. therefore courageous in a society which does not like to show at least for women.
Marwan Amara said that the idea of documentary films. and that the hero of the film is the director itself. is something not appreciated in the past in our Arab world because we have a concept of documentary films that they are more reportorial. but recently. about 15 years ago. there started to be pioneers in this field. He added that in films. what touches him the most is the idea of the story. and what's behind it. its connection to those who were behind the camera. the cinematic vision of the director.
Worth mentioning is that Midfest-Egypt Forum is the first forum in the Middle East and North Africa. established in 2017. for short films. In this festival. films will be discussed in relationship with cinema and health. Films are a tool and method to shine a light on major health concerns.
The Festival will take place between September 12-15 at the American University in Downtown Cairo - Tahrir Square.
The forum combines film amateurs. filmmakers. and doctors. and it presents human stories to the public. students. artists. filmmakers. and doctors. especially psychiatrists. through various workshops. discussion panels. and film screenings that work on discussing socially unacceptable topics by laying the foundations for a more acceptable approach throughout Egypt and the world.
