DTFF to put spotlight on critical women’s issues

Women’s issues and empowerment are central themes at the ongoing Doha Tribeca Film Festival (DTFF) 2011, where films, panels and musical performances will shine spotlights on the voices, stories and perspectives of women from around the world. With 40% of films made by women filmmakers, this year’s Arab Film Competition line-up will provide a diverse range of women’s’ stories, tackling issues and social themes such as childhood, love, culture, family and the concept of femininity. Rania Stephen’s The Three Disappearances of Soad Hosni is an innovative documentary depicting the life, career and tragic death of celebrated actress Soad Hosni exclusively through VHS tapes, while Lina Alabed’s Yearning explores the role and margin of freedom that women have in a male-dominated society. Other Arab films in-competition films include: Laila Hotnit Salas’ docu-drama Crayons of Askalan, which tells the story of Palestinian artist Zuhdi Al Adawi, imprisoned in the occupied territories; Fatma Zohra Zamoum’s How Big Is Your Love, which explores themes of family relationships, love and childhood in modern day Algiers; and Latifa Robbana Doghri and Salem Trabelsi’s Boxing With Her, which takes a look at the world of female boxing in contemporary Arab society. The Festival’s Contemporary World Cinema programme will illuminate the varied works of several women filmmakers who are quickly finding success and recognition across the Globe. Yasemin ?amdereli’s directorial feature film debut Almanya – Welcome to Germany, which opened to rave reviews at the Berlin International Film Festival 2011, is a charming cross-cultural comedy that looks at three generations of German-Turks, a father’s legacy and the role that immigration plays in constituting cultural, national and personal identity. Fresh of a recent win at last month’s Toronto International Film Festival will also be Nadine Labaki’s Where Do We Go Now?, a light-hearted comedy/drama which centres on a group of women as they attempt to preserve their town in the midst of inter-religious tensions. On a more serious note, Valérie Donzelli’s critically acclaimed autobiographical drama Declaration of War intimately portrays the struggle endured by a young woman and the father of her child when they find out their son has a life threatening illness. Another highlight will no doubt be Mika Kaurismäki’s Mama Africa, an inspirational homage to Grammy-winning South African singer Miriam Makeba, who travelled the world with her powerful voice speaking against racism and poverty and for equality and peace. Other women-centric films include Nick Bromfield’s Sarah Palin – You Betcha!, a sharp-witted exposé into the personal and political life of controversial former Republic Party nominee Sarah Palin, as well as closing night film The Lady (Luc Besson), which stunningly portrays the life of Nobel Peace Prize-winning activist, Aung San Suu Kyi, who was released last year having spent 15 years under house arrest for her battle to bring democracy to Burma. This year’s Arab Film Competition Juries will have a strong female representation with Golden Bear-winning filmmaker Jasmila Zbanic (On the Path, Grabavica: Land of My Dreams), award-winning Lebanese actress Carmen Lebbos (Whatever Lola Wants, Zozo, West Beyrouth) and acclaimed American actress Robin Wright (Moneyball, The Princess Bride). In addition to festival screenings and events, DTFF 2011 will also bring a fresh set of sounds and female voices to the region, with rousing live performances by Grammy Award-winning African music icon Angélique Kidjo, Moroccan, contemporary world music singer OUM, acclaimed independent jazz-soul diva Somi and three-time Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Leona Lewis.