Arab Film Festival hosts dinner and movie at MoPA

San Diego’s Arab Film Festival is holding a mid-year event this Saturday night at the Museum of Photographic Arts. The evening of Arab culture features dinner, music, an art exhibit, and a new film by Annemarie Jacir.

When I Saw You was Palestine’s Oscar submission for best foreign film consideration. It’s taken home more than ten film-festival awards, including Best Arab Film at the Abu Dhabi Film Festival.

According to the press release, the story takes place “in 1967, Jordan, as tens of thousands of refugees pour across the border from Palestine. Having been separated from his father in the chaos of war, Tarek, 11, and his mother, Ghaydaa, are amongst this latest wave of refugees. With difficulties adjusting to life in Harir camp and a longing to be reunited with his father, Tarek searches a way out and discovers a new hope emerging with the times. Eventually his free spirit and curious nature lead him to a group of people on a journey that will change their lives.”

The dinner bell rings at 5:30 pm, followed by a meal accompanied by music from Khalil Ibrahim, “one of the most revered violinists in Iraqi history.” Before the movie kicks off at 8 pm, take time to peruse the photographic exhibit featuring the works of Jordanian-born Lily Bandak and Palestine’s Ibrahim Al Nashashibi.

Admission is $12 without supper and $50 with. For more information visit karamanow.org.