A Reel Revolution

Mizna's Arab Film Fest provides a rare glimpse into a world often overlooked at the multiplex

Miza brings a unique collection of more than 20 films made by and about Arabs to the Heights Theater this weekend.

Image credit: Courtesy Mizna

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Heck of a Find

Mizna's Arab Film Festival

By: Emily Cain

Mizna, a Minneapolis-based Arab American cultural organization, believes in celebrating the artistic expression and diversity of the Arab community.

Established as a gathering of Arab intellectuals and artists thirteen years ago, the organization gives Arab American writers a voice through its award-winning literary journal and brings attention to some of the most talented Arab artists working today.

But Mizna has become more than just a literary journal. This weekend, the group is presenting its seventh annual Arab Film Festival. The festival continues through Sunday at The Heights Theater in Northeast Minneapolis.

Not your average Twin Cities film festival, Miza brings a unique collection of more than 20 films made by and about Arabs. Organizers say it is the largest and longest standing film festival in the upper Midwest.

“This is an especially exciting event, because it offers people a chance to see films that provide a rare glimpse into a world you wouldn’t ordinarily get to see in your average multiplex,” says Marya Morstad, the festival’s director.

Morstad says there are several “gems” on the scheulde, including Triumph67 by Minnesota director Dan Tanz. The film tells the story of a Palestinian-American who must reconnects with a woman from his past following the death of his brother.

TRIUMPH67 Trailer 1 from Jeremy Wilker on Vimeo.

The festival has particular relevancy this year, too. The theme, Art and Revolution, pays homage to the Arab Spring that swept through Egypt and the Middle East.

“After the Egyptian revolution last January, we decided to seize the moment and be part of the times,” Morstad says. “Films are often agents of social change and the films we selected will reflect that.”

Executive Artistic Director Lana Barkawai says the festival is also designed to boost the profile of Arabs involved in filmmaking. Arabs have typically been maligned in the American film community, offered limited roles, all too often as terrorists, he says.

“For the Arab American community, it’s powerful to see yourself reflected on screen,” Barkawai says. “As always, the core of our mission is to broaden the community through a diverse mix of ethnicities and religions.”

Minza’s 7^th Arab Film Festival runs Nov. 10 – 13. Tickets: $10 general admission, $8 students. Festival passes: $50 at the door, $40 in advance. Visit mizna.org for more info.