FSU Middle East Center to host 16th annual Middle East Film Festival

Kendall Cooper

Thu, 01/30/25

MEFF Graphic — ��vlog’s Department of Modern Languages and Linguistics and the FSU Middle East Center (MEC) will host the 16th annual Middle East Film Festival, featuring four weekly film screenings starting Jan. 30 at the Student Life Cinema. All screenings are free and open to the public.

��vlog’s  and the   (MEC) will host the 16th annual Middle East Film Festival, providing insight into international cinema and sharing perspectives rarely seen in mainstream media.

The festival, co-sponsored by MEC and the , will feature four film screenings each Thursday over four weeks beginning Thursday, Jan. 30, at the Student Life Cinema (SLC) on FSU’s Tallahassee campus. All films screen at 6 p.m. and screenings are free and open to the public.

Jan. 30: “Far from the Nile” (Egypt/U.S.), directed by Sherief Elkatsha
Feb. 6: “Dream’s Gate” (Iran/France/Norway), directed by Negin Ahmadi
Feb. 13: “Batata” (Canada/Lebanon), directed by Noura Kevorkian
Feb. 20: “Inshallah Boy” (Jordan), directed by Amjad Al Rasheed

“The festival has become a highly anticipated event in Tallahassee,” said Zeina Schlenoff, director of the FSU Middle East Center and teaching professor of Arabic. “It is a highly informative occasion for our FSU students and the wider community to learn about this diverse, cultured and fascinating region of the world. Our films represent a broad perspective on the socio-political realities of the recent Middle East.”

Now in its 16th year, the event plays an important role in promoting international programs and education at FSU. Schlenoff, who has been at the festival’s helm since its inception in 2009, also hopes the exposure to these lesser-known films will encourage meaningful conversation among members of the FSU community.

“All the films have something heartfelt and personal to say,” Schlenoff said. “They are stories of family, adventure, hope, persistence and inspiration. Each year, the festival offers a selection of food, entertainment and discussions to complete each evening’s experience, and this year is no exception.”

Prior to the opening film, “Far from the Nile,” participants are invited to the festival’s kickoff celebration 5:30-6 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 30, at the SLC. During this time, Middle East student organizations will showcase their organizations and programs. The film will be followed by a reception featuring Middle Eastern food catered by The Sweet Shop Café and Lounge, with entertainment provided by the .

The festivities extend beyond the first event, and each screening will be accompanied by a unique addition. The second film, “Dream’s Gate,” will be introduced by Professor Emeritus Peter Garretson, who taught Middle Eastern history at FSU, and free popcorn will be provided.

In collaboration with FSU’s third annual , the screening of “Batata” will be followed by a roundtable led by Schlenoff; Teaching Professor of Arabic Zafer Lababid; Executive Director of FSU’s and Associate Professor of criminology in the Terry Coonan; and CAHR Senior Program Director Mark Schlakman. Following the festival’s final film, “Inshallah Boy,” MEC will serve baklava and tea.

“Not only does the festival provide us an opportunity to highlight the Middle East on campus, but each new film also inspires an appreciation of the talent, creativity and dedication of Middle Eastern writers, directors, actors and producers,” Schlenoff said.

For more information about this year’s film festival, visit  or the center’s .

Middle East Center