The Outreach Center at the Center for Middle Eastern Studies and the Middle East Initiative of the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University are proud to sponsor a year-long series of new and notable Middle East region based films.

Note for Educators: Educators can receive up to 10 PDPs by attending five events (films or lectures) and registering with the Outreach Center at 617-495-4078. After each event, PDP seekers need to submit to the Outreach Center a completed curriculum discussion sheet. Please contact The Outreach Center with questions and for more information.

Schedule

Film: Le Grand Voyage (2004, France/Morocco)

Tuesday 9 October, 5:15–7:30 PM (pizza/soda at 5:00 PM), Wiener Auditorium, Kennedy School of Government

Description: Reda, who lives with his family in southern France, is about to take his college entrance exams. One day he is told to drive his father to Mecca to perform the Hajj. The journey is difficult because of the distance, and due to the emotional and generational distance between him and his father. Ultimately, the journey to Mecca is as impacting as the arrival in the holy city.

 

Film: Bab Al Oued City (1994, Algeria)

Wednesday 7 November, 6:15–8:30 PM (pizza/soda at 6:00 PM), Starr Auditorium, Belfer Auditorium, Second Floor, Kennedy School of Government

Description: Taking place in Algiers, Algeria after the riots of October 1988, Bab Al Oued City discusses the rise of Islamic fundamentalism from the perspective of a young baker. His desire to get some sleep after a long night of work turns out to have lasting consequences.

 

Film: Live and Become (2005, Israel)

Tuesday 12 February, 5:15–7:30 PM (pizza/soda at 5:00 PM), Starr Auditorium, Belfer Building, Second Floor, Kennedy School of Government

Description: Shlomo is an Ethiopian boy airlifted from a Sudanese refugee camp to Israel in 1984 as part of Operation Moses. While neither a Jew nor an orphan, he is a seeking to fulfill his Ethiopian mother's wish that he live. Shlomo ultimately finds a new identity through the love of his old and new life.

 

Film: Turtles Can Fly (2005, Iraq)

Tuesday 11 March, 5:15–7:30 PM (pizza/soda at 5:00 PM), Starr Auditorium, Belfer Building, Second Floor, Kennedy School of Government

Description: Lead character "Satellite" is a 13 year old boy who, through his entrepreneurialism and thrift, is the "go to" person in a Kurdish village on the Turkey-Iraq border. His business of putting up TV satellites and organizing the collection of landmines for de-mining by his fellow children are forever changed by the arrival of a clairvoyant girl and boy, and the US military.

 

Film: Divine Intervention (2002, Palestine/Israel)

Tuesday 8 April, 5:15–7:30 PM (pizza/soda at 5:00 PM), Starr Auditorium, Belfer Building, Second Floor, Kennedy School of Government

Description: Two Palestinian lovers are separated by an Israeli checkpoint. The tragedy of their situation is presented through a series of absurdist and comedic vignettes that offer sharp social and political commentary through creative and memorable scenes and characters.

 

Film: Under the Moonlight (2001, Iran)

Tuesday 6 May, 5:15–7:30 PM (pizza/soda at 5:00 PM), Starr Auditorium, Belfer Building, Second Floor, Kennedy School of Government

Description: Scheduled to attend a seminary, Sayyid's plans are derailed by a thief who steals his books. As he searches for them he meets people and is put in situations, which challenge his assumptions of life and his path in it.

NOTE: These films are for educational purposes only.

 

Parking and Transport: Public transportation serves Harvard Square through through numerous MBTA bus lines and the Red Line subway. Parking can be found on nearby streets or at one of the area parking garages. Check out http://www.uos.harvard.edu/transportation/par.shtml for more information.

For more information please contact the Outreach Center at the Center for Middle Eastern Studies at 617-495-4078 or cmesoc@fas.harvard.edu.