A special selection of short films, curated by Middle East Now, was on the spot in Venice at CIRCUITO OFF Film Festival, from 28 to 31 August 2013 in the Teatrino of Palazzo Grassi.
Film Middle East Now participated to the 14th edition of CIRCUITO OFF in Venice (28-31 August 2013) – the short film festival that is an international point of reference for new styles and new trends in video making – with a special selection of short films that were screened on Friday 30 August, at 6 pm, in the brand new venue of the Teatrino di Palazzo Grassi. The programme included three titles, of which two Italian premieres.
www.circuitooff.com
FRIDAY 30 AUGUST 2013 / 6 pm / Teatrino di Palazzo Grassi
BAGHDAD MESSI by Sahim Omar Kalifa
(Iraq, EAU, Belgium, 2012, 19’)
Iraq 2009. Eight-year-old Hamoudi has only one leg, but is addicted to football. He and his friends – like the rest of the world – are looking forward to the Champions League final between Barcelona and Manchester (Messi versus Ronaldo). But then the television breaks down!
Italian premiere
NOOR by Ahmed Ibrahim
(Egypt, USA, 2012, 15’)
Thirteen-year-old Fingo wants to hang lights outside his flat for Ramadan. He quickly realises there’s much more to the lights than just decorating. He has to take a stand, win over the community and hang his lights. All in two days!
THOUGH I KNOW THE RIVER IS DRY by Omar Robert Hamilton
(Palestine, Egypt, UK, 2013, 19’)
Caught between his brother’s past and his child’s future, one man’s choice triggers catastrophe for his whole family. He has returned to Palestine. On his journey through the country he relives the trauma of his past and the choice that sent him to America – a choice between a passport for his unborn child and a safe haven for his activist brother.
Italian premiere