Arna's Children screening - 10/17

Alwan for the Arts and 3rd i NY Launch
Collaborative Monthly Film & Video Series @ Pioneer Theater

Every 3rd Tuesday of the month join us for the best in features, docs,
& shorts that increase awareness of the creative vitality and
sociopolitical realities of the Middle East, South Asia, and their
diasporas. Given the historical and cultural affinities between these
geographic regions, as well as the contemporary political landscape,
these two cultural organizations are beginning a series of programming
& marketing collaborations that encompass film, video, music, visual
art, and literature, culminating in a week-long film festival in March
2006. In an environment that turns these communities into enemies of
the west, we find strength in creating alliances to provide more
nuanced, yet genuinely critical views to New York audiences.
The dialogue and networking will continue at the complimentary pizza &
drinks receptions after every screening in the Pioneer Series!

INAUGURAL SCREENING
A Special Screening & Discussion to benefit The Freedom Theatre of Jenin
Director Juliano Mer Khamis will be present by Q&A moderated by
the Ad-Hoc Coalition for Justice in the Middle East

ARNA'S CHILDREN
**Winner 2004 FIPRESCI Prize @ Hot Docs**

Tuesday October 17th, 7pm
Two Boots Pioneer Theater
155 East 3rd Street (at Avenue A)
Subway: F to 2nd Ave; 6 to Bleecker
http://www.twoboots.com/pioneer
Tickets: $9 Adults / $6.50 Pioneer Members
Advance Tix: http://pioneertheater.tix.com/Event.asp?Event=72364
Plus Free Pizza Reception with the Director after the Screening

ARNA's CHILDREN
A film by Juliano Mer Khamis, Israel/Netherlands, 2004, 85 mins,
Arabic/English/Hebrew with English ST

ARNA'S CHILDREN tells the story of a children's theatre group in Jenin
refugee camp that was established by Arna Mer Khamis. Arna, an Israeli
from a zionist family,married a Palestinian, Saliba Khamis. the
theatre group she founded helped Jenin's children to express the
everyday frustrations, anger, and fear of life under Israeli
occupation. Arna?s son Juliano filmed the children during rehearsals
from 1989 to 1996.

After the battle of Jenin in April, 2002, Juliano went back to see
what happened to those children. Yussef committed a suicide attack,
Ashraf was killed in the battle of Jenin, and Ala leads a resistance
group. The director looks back and tries to understand the choices
made by the children he loved and worked with, and the tragedy and
horror of lives trapped by the Israeli occupation.

Followed by Q&A with the Director & further conversation at the Free
Pizza Reception at downstairs Den of Cin!

**Portions of the Proceeds to benefit The Freedom
Theatre in Jenin Refugee Camp**http://www.thefreedomtheatre.org/**
__________________________________________________
About Alwan for the Arts
Alwan for the Arts serves the Middle East and North African population
and educates the broader community by providing access to the range of
Middle Eastern and North African arts; thereby enriching the
cross-cultural and artistic encounter. Since 1998, Alwan for the Arts
has played a leading role in promoting the diverse cultures of the
Middle East and North Africa in New York City. It organized film
festivals and screenings, book/poetry readings and signings, lectures
and conferences, art exhibits, musical and theatrical performances,
and language and literature classes. In 2003, Alwan established a
center in lower Manhattan which provides a physical base for its
diverse cultural activities. For more info: www.alwanforthearts.org

About 3rd i NY
3rd i New York's monthly film and music salon designed by local
filmmakers and experimental DJs showcases the works of independent
filmmakers of South Asian descent and local djs, musicians and
electronica artists. Providing alternative forums for South Asian
filmmakers who often have few venues to showcase their work not only
increases their visibility, but also provides a social forum for peers
and audiences to participate in an ongoing discussion. For more info
visit: www.thirdi.org/~ny

3rd i NY events are made possible in part through public funds from
the Fund for Creative Communities/New York State Council on the Arts
Decentralization Program, administered by the Lower Manhattan Cultural
Council.

About The Ad Hoc Coalition for Justice in the Middle East The Ad Hoc
Coalition for Justice in the Middle East is a grassroots strategic
alliance of concerned organizations and individuals in New York,
formed to demand an immediate, unconditional, and permanent end to
U.S.-sponsored Israeli aggression in the Middle East. In response to
the continuing injustices committed by Israel, which constitute gross
violations of international law, the Ad Hoc Coalition stands with the
people of the Middle East in their demands for justice, equality,
democracy, and respect for human rights. For more info:
www.mideastjustice.org <http://www.mideastjustice.org/>
______________________________________

SAVE THE DATE NOV 3rd
3rdi NY 4th Anniversary Bash featuring World Premiere Music Videos @
Subswara!