DUBAI: The long-running Arab Film Festival, which takes place annually in San Francisco, has been postponed in solidarity with the besieged Palestinian people.
The event’s 27th edition was set to take place from Nov. 10 to 19.
Serge Bakalian, the executive director of the organizing Arab Film and Media Institute, said in an Instagram post: “We have always found strength in coming together around movies, sharing our stories and narratives; that is still and will always be our mission.
“But in light of current events and the speed at which catastrophes are unfolding, we feel the need to be present and hold space for each other in a different way.”
He added: “The Arab Film Festival has always been an annual celebration of Arab cinema and Arab storytellers, unfortunately this does not feel like a moment of celebration.”
Bakalian said the organizers will reimburse people who have purchased festival passes and tickets.
He said the festival would present free online screenings and resources that amplify the voices of Arab and Palestinian filmmakers and storytellers.
