22 Jul 2016 10:00
Etihad Airways and Arab Film Festival Australia are joining forces again in 2016 to bring the best of contemporary Arab cinema to Australian audiences.
The 13th annual Arab
Film Festival Australia opened last night in Sydney showcasing diverse films
from Australia, Lebanon, Egypt, Iraq, Palestine and Syria.
The festival program ranges
from a powerful story of a mother searching for her son who is missing at war
to a comedy about a couple on a mission to stop each other’s snoring.
The festival will travel to
Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra and Perth over the next three weeks.
Etihad Airways’ Senior Vice
President Marketing, Shane O’Hare, said Arab Film Festival Australia was an
important part of Etihad Airways’ Australian sponsorship portfolio.
“As the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, Etihad Airways is
committed to promoting a deeper appreciation of modern Arabian arts and culture.
“As the Principal Sponsor of Arab Film Festival Australia, the airline
plays an important role in bringing stories from the Arab world to Australian
audiences.
“This year’s festival will reach thousands of filmgoers in four
Australian cities - including Perth for the first time ever.”
Arab Film Festival
Australia Co-director Fadia Abboud said the festival was delighted to partner
with Etihad Airways for the ninth year in a row.
“It is our objective to present amazing stories from the Arab world by
capturing authentic voices, unique communities and current issues with
sophistication and sensitivity.
“Etihad Airways helps fulfil this objective by connecting the festival
with the best talent in contemporary Arab cinema.
“The airline’s support has enabled the festival to bring Assad Fouladkar
- the acclaimed director of Halal Love - to Sydney as the special guest for this
year’s opening night.”
The festival is produced by
Information and Cultural Exchange (I.C.E.). Its organising committee represents
Australia’s diverse Arabic-speaking communities and cultures.
The Arab Film Festival
Australia will run in Sydney until 24 July, Melbourne from 29-31 July, Canberra
from 5-7 August and Perth from 11-12 August. For more information, visit www.arabfilmfestival.com.au