Arabic Studies

A psychiatrist spends 45 days studying a troubled young man accused of murdering his parents in order to discern the motive and whether he is mentally responsible for the crime.

Three Arab women immigrate to Paris, France, in search of freedom and happiness.

A look back at the tumultuous years after the 1952 Revolution in Egypt, focusing especially on the experiences of a group of politically-active college students.

The Arabian nights story of the 13th wife is updated to modern times. Murad Salim plays a rich playboy who pursues Aida, who, after resisting, marries him not knowing that she is his 13th wife. When the previously would-be 13th wife arrives, they hatch a plot with the other wives to make him pay.

One of the Egyptian cinema’s most romantic musical films. It tells the story of a troubled love affair, when a boy takes the blame for an accident his brother caused.

This "riveting drama examines the circumstances and characters involved in a ’crime of honor.’ When Imane becomes enraptured by the songs of Umm Kulthum, her jealous husband notices the change in her demeanor and assumes she’s fallen in love with another man... Passion examines the nature of ’crimes of honor’ and the scars they leave on their survivors and on society."

Documents excavations in Iraq, uncovering the glory that was Mesopotamia.

Set prior to the 1952 revolution, a member of an underground resistance group seeks refuge from the political police with a civil servant and his family.

Two documentaries by Palestinian actor Mohammad Bakri. In Jenin Jenin, Palestinian Arabs from the West Bank town of Jenin talk about their experiences during the Battle of Jenin in April of 2002 (which was part of the Israeli army’s Operation Defensive Shield, in response to the ongoing Al-Aqsa Intifada). In Since You Left, Bakri visits the grave of his mentor, Emil Habibi, a Palestinian author and politician. He summarizes personal and political transformations that have occurred in Israel and Palestine since Habibi’s death in 1996.

Billed as the first Saudi feature film, this drama reveals the tensions between family members who have differing standards of behavior

Retelling of the epic biblical story of Joseph, son of Jacob, from the Egyptian perspective. Ram (the Joseph character) is sold into slavery by his envious brothers, but his wit and resourcefulness help him rise in the court of Thebes.

Not long after the US invasion of Iraq in 2003, filmmaker Maysoon Pachachi returns to her home city of Baghdad after 35 years. She accompanies her father, 80-year-old Adnan Pachachi, who is returning to head the committee responsible for drafting Iraq’s temporary constitution and Bill of Rights. [The film] follows this tortuous process, with its arguments over wording changes demanded by US leaders in Washington and compromises made to satisfy Iraqi sectarian interests. Moving between the political sphere and everyday life on the streets, Return to the land of wonders offers a glimpse into the resilience of the Iraqi people as they struggle to sustain their lives without succumbing to despair and defeat.

"Women across the Middle East are trying to reclaim their role as leaders in Islam. 'Veiled voices' goes in-depth into the world of three Muslim women religious leaders, who say women were always meant to be powerful within the religion. Filmed over the course of two years in Lebanon, Syria and Egypt"--Container

In Where is Iraq?, Iraqi-Canadian filmmaker Shamoun tries to re-enter Iraq shortly before the U.S. capture of Saddam Hussein. Joining other Iraqis prevented from crossing the border, he documents their opinions and perception of the situation in their country. Desire and clay is an experimental film with images and narrative of a spiritual/religious theme.

"In 2003, the Bush Administration and the US media began referring to Syria and Iran in the same terms that had been used to justify the US invasion of Iraq ... After hearing reports about the friendliness of the Syrian people that conflicted with what was being presented in the news, filmmaker Jean Marie Offenbacher decided that this contradiction deserved further exploration. She moved to Syria, alone, to record a portrait of life from all across the country -- from the rural regions to the large urban centers and even to the halls of power in Damascus."

A young Yemeni born in London undertakes to understand the homeland he had never seen. He reconnects with his roots by having a Tim Mackintosh-Smith, a guidebook author and British national living in Yemen show him his country.

The director asks her female Coptic relatives to share their stories for the camera. Mothers, sisters, daughters and nieces from four generations relate stories that demonstrate the changes in education, emancipation and the role of religion in Egyptian society

Born a peasant in 1898, Umm Kulthum earned a position of great wealth and influence in the Arab world as a popular and beloved singer. This film places her life in the context of 20th century Egypt. Includes concert footage, film clips, and interviews.

Documentary based on the work and life of Nobel Prize nominee Bouthaina Shaaban. Dr. Shaaban is an outspoken activist for women’s rights, especially in the Arab world.

Fathi is an unknown lawyer who is assigned to take a case related to a well known politician. He wins the case and becomes the personal supervisor for that politician. Here the director makes us wonder who rules the important politicians and whom they rule.