By james art 
The Department of Modern Languages and Linguistics of Florida University of Florida and the center of the Middle East of FSU (MEC) will host the 16th annual Film Festival in the Middle East, providing an idea of international cinema and sharing perspectives that are rarely observed in The main media.
The festival, sponsored by MEC and FSU Student Life cinema, will include four film screenings every Thursday for four weeks, starting on Thursday, January 30, in the FSU’s FSU Campus at the SLC Campus. All films screen at 18:00, and screenings are free and open to the public.
• January 30:“Away from the Nile” (Egypt/USA), directed by Sheriff Elkatsha
• February 6:“Dream’s Gate” (Iran/France/Norway), directed by Negin Ahmadi
• February 13:The “Bata” (Canada/Lebanon), directed by Nura Kevorian
• February 20:“A boy from the Inshala” (Jordan), directed by Amjad al -Rashid
“The festival has become a long -awaited event in Talahassi,” says Zayna Schlenof, director of the FSU Middle East Center and Arabian teacher. “This is an extremely informative occasion for our FSU students and the wider community to learn about this diverse, cultural and fascinating region of the world. Our films are a broad perspective on the socio-political realities of the recent Middle East. “
At the age of 16, the event plays an important role in the promotion of international programs and education at FSU. Schlenoff, which has been on the rudder of the festival since its inception in 2009, is also hoping for exposure to these less well-known films to encourage a meaningful conversation among FSU community members.
“All movies have something cordial and personally say,” Slenof said. “They are stories about family, adventures, hope, perseverance and inspiration. Each year, the festival offers a selection of food, entertainment and discussions to complete the experience every night, and this year is no exception. “
Before the opening movie “Far from the Nile”, the participants were invited to the festival holiday 5: 30-6 am, Thursday, January 30, at SLC. During this time, student organizations in the Middle East will show their organizations and programs. The film will be followed by a reception, including the food in the Middle East, served by Sweet Shop Café and Lounge, with fun provided by FSU Belly dancers.
The festivities extend beyond the first event and each screening will be accompanied by a unique addition. The second movie, Dream’s Gate, will be presented by Professor Emerit Peter Garetson, who teaches the history of the Middle East at FSU, and will be provided with free popcorn.
In collaboration with the third annual FSU Creative Arts Festival, the Batata screening will be followed by a round table led by Schlenoff; Professor Professor of Arab Zafer Lababid; CEO of the Center for Human Rights and Assistant Professor of Criminology of FSU at Terry Kunan Legal College; And Cahr Senior Program Director Mark Schlakman. After the latest movie at the Boy Inshallah festival, MEC will serve baklava and tea.
“Not only does the festival give us the opportunity to emphasize the Middle East on the campus, but every new film also inspires the evaluation of the talent, creativity and dedication of the writers, directors, actors and producers of the Middle East,” Slenof said.
For more information on this year’s Film Festival, visit Mec.FSU.edu or the Facebook page of the center.