Korea-Arab Society celebrate Arab film makers in Busan, Seoul

Nine films were announced Wednesday as part of the 12th Arab Film Festival, hosted by the Korea-Arab Society. The Arab Film Festival is the only festival in Korea that screens films from Arab countries, and this year will introduce nine works from...

Main poster for the 12th Arab Film Festival [KOREA-ARAB SOCIETY]

Nine films were announced Wednesday as part of the 12th Arab Film Festival, hosted by the Korea-Arab Society.

The Arab Film Festival is the only festival in Korea that screens films from Arab countries, and this year will introduce nine works from Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt and more. The festival will be held between July 27 to 30 at the Busan Cinema Center in Busan, and from Aug. 3 to 6 at Arthouse Momo within Ewha Women’s University in Seoul.

The opening film for the 12th Arab Film Festival will be director Marwan Hamed’s “Kira & El Gin” (2022). Based on real events, the film deals with the 1919 Egyptian Revolution.

Another noteworthy film is director Lara Saba’s “All Roads Lead to Rome” (2022). The film tells the story of a famous Lebanese actor who travels to the countryside to prepare for the role of the Pope. On the way, he nearly hits a woman with his car, and hilarious events unfold.

Programmers’ recommended works for this year’s Arab Film Festival include “Mediterranean Fever” (2022) and “Within Sand” (2022).

“Mediterranean Fever” is about an aspiring writer who suffers from depression, and won the Best Screenplay award in the Un Certain Regard category at the 75th Cannes International Film Festival last year.

“Within Sand” is an action film about a desert traveler who wishes to reunite with his pregnant wife, but gets chased by a wolf.

Programs open to fans of Arab films are to be provided during this year’s Arab Film Festival. On Aug. 5, after a screening of “All Roads Lead to Rome,” moviegoers can speak directly with director Lara Saba at a talk session held at Arthouse Momo. Talk sessions between directors and critics are also to be held throughout the festival.

BY LIM JEONG-WON [lim.jeongwon@joongang.co.kr]