'Rafea: Solar Mama’ by Jehane Noujaim and Mona Eldaief

Increasing freedoms in the Arab world have allowed artists and filmmakers to create compelling narratives that explore contemporary issues within their own community and further afield. This shift has also contributed to the emergence of a greater number of women filmmakers who are presenting their unique stories to regional and international audiences. Twenty-six female auteurs will use DTFF 2012 as a platform through which they can screen and promote their films—while also advocating an evolving female presence within the film industry.

Eight Qatari films are overseen by women directors who have been inspired by the stories of the region and have endeavored to capture these perspectives. Additionally, eleven films by Arab women filmmakers will be screened in the Festival’s Arab Film Competition, while the Contemporary World Cinema, Special Screenings, and Tribute to Algerian Cinema will feature another six films directed by women. The included narratives are distinct in their thematic and narrative approach, highlighting the expanding influence and individuality of women filmmakers from around the globe.

The Arab Film Competition section includes Maggie Morgan’s ‘Asham: A Man Called Hope’, which narrates the stories of six couples at different stages in their relationship, set against the lead up to the 25 January Revolution; and Hanan Abdalla’s ‘In the Shadow of a Man’, which presents the personal revolutions of four women from different backgrounds in post-revolution Egypt.

Other films in competition are: Tamara Stepanyan’s ‘Embers’, ‘A Deep Long Breath’ by Tahani Rached, ‘Rafea: Solar Mama’ by Jehane Noujaim and Mona Eldaief; ‘The Lebanese Rocket Society’ co-directed by Joana Hadjithomas; ‘Sanctity’ by Ahd Kamel; ‘L`Mrayet’ by Nadia Rais; ‘Ismai’l’ by Nora Alsharif; ‘When They Slept’ by Maryam Touzani; and ‘The Wall’ by Odette Makhlouf Mouarkech.

Narratives touching on hope, resistance, memory, everyday life and perseverance are just a small portion of the films created by women auteurs that are screening during the Festival. The 2012 slate of films certainly demonstrates the dramatic advances made by Arab women filmmakers and the growing breadth of narrative possibilities. For more information regarding the filmmakers and their work, please read our press release.