Record-breaking Arabian Film Days 2013
There is no doubt about it: This year's Arabian Film Days was an unparalleled success. 2202 tickets sold, one very happy audience, outstanding movies and a brilliant party were all ingredients that made this year's perhaps the best edition of the festival so far.
Treats galore
The festival kicked off with The Attack on Friday afternoon. The audience was treated with a conversation with director Ziad Doueiri who, despite speaking via Skype from New York, was very present and engaging to listen to. The opening film was sold out, as was Silence of the Palace, which began fifteen minutes later in the theater next door. Many also saw Mahdi Fleifel's A World Not Ours, a film several categorised as the best documentary shown at the cinema in a long time.
Saturday began with the excellent and thought-provoking Horses of God, with accompanying panel debate on terrorism. Later on a full house got a glimpse into the Egyptian royal family just before the coup via the documentary In Search of Oil and Sand. After the screening, the audience had a great meeting with the charismatic protagonist Mahmoud Sabit. Many children were also seen at Filmens hus for the first screening of the Disney classic Aladdin.
On Saturday night there was a party at Ben's Café followed by a concert with Khalid Idriss and Atlas Band. These skilled Moroccan musicians took us on a journey through Arabic music. Festival-goers, volunteers and members of staff alike were spotted on the dance floor!
On Sunday audiences could see, amongst others, Wadjda for the second time during the festival. Both screenings were sold out, and many categorized this movie as one of the best cinema experiences in a long time. We also anjoyed a panel discussion after the day's screening of A World Not Ours; a brilliant way to see the full picture, and the nuances of the situation Palestinian refugees find themselves in.
Record Sales
Ticket sales at this year's festival exceeded all expectations. From when The Attack started at 6pm on Friday until Horses of God closed the festival at 11pm on Sunday, Filmens hus teamed with life. A total of 2202 tickets were sold; a marked increase from last year's 1867. Arabian Film Days has shown, in other words, that it is a festival that has come to stay in Oslo.
Finally, we just need to thank all visitors, guests, volunteers from Babel Film Club, and sponsors for a fantastic festival. See you again next year!